Ode to the Opera House

 By Seth McFarland 

In the days before streaming movies available on smart devices, and before the days of large movie theaters, the Opera House was the popular attraction in Larned. Larned was fortunate to have a reputation in the early days as a "good show town" when it was at the height of its popularity at the turn of the Twentieth Century. Many big stage productions which were organized in New York and Chicago played in Larned en route to Denver. It could accommodate 600 seats, and the average price was between one and two dollars. Shakespearean productions, minstrels shows and comedies created variety for the theatergoers. Even John Philip Sousa, world famous composer and conductor, led a performance at this very theater. 

 

The decline of stage shows came around 1913. Railroad fares, and high hotel rates limited the number of large theatrical groups. Talking Pictures soon came to the movie theaters, and live stage performances lost most of their appeal to the general masses. 

 

These images give you an idea of what the stage productions were like at the height of the theater. The Opera House has been long neglected and in disrepair. Soon, as demolition begins in the next week or two, all that will remain will be images and memories. Such is the life of many old buildings throughout the country as they fade into the dust.

 (Since the original posting of this article, the Opera House has been demolished)