Philipsburg in Granite County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
McDonald Opera House
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 9, 2009
1. McDonald Opera House Marker
Inscription.
McDonald Opera House. . Prominent businessman Angus A. McDonald constructed this two-story masonry theater in 1891. A metal-covered stage loft rises above the roof as evidence of the structures historic function. Beneath the south end were dressing rooms for the traveling entertainers that played the generous stage. Elaborate backdrops were painted by Montana artist Edgar S. Paxson. The advent of moving pictures with sound brought some interior changes in the 1930s, but a magician’s trap door at center stage is still in place. Renamed the Granada Theatre in 1919, it is Montana’s oldest operating theater.
This property contributes to the Philipsburg Historic District . Listed in the Nation l Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior . In cooperation with the Montana Historical Society
Prominent businessman Angus A. McDonald constructed this two-story masonry theater in 1891. A metal-covered stage loft rises above the roof as evidence of the structures historic function. Beneath the south end were dressing rooms for the traveling entertainers that played the generous stage. Elaborate backdrops were painted by Montana artist Edgar S. Paxson. The advent of moving pictures with sound brought some interior changes in the 1930s, but a magician’s trap door at center stage is still in place. Renamed the Granada Theatre in 1919, it is Montana’s oldest operating theater.
This property contributes to the Philipsburg Historic District • Listed in the Nation l Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior • In cooperation with the Montana Historical Society
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 46° 19.912′ N, 113° 17.668′ W. Marker is in Philipsburg, Montana, in Granite County. Marker is at the intersection of South Sansome Street and West Stockton Street on South Sansome Street
Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 525 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 10, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.