Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
DUNCAN-WALLER OPERA HOUSE
DUNCAN-WALLER OPERA HOUSE. In early 1877 Charles H. EIGHMEY, and John Robert WALLER purchased the building containing the ATHENAEUM. An appeal was made to the public for its support in its renovation. The sale of one thousand tickets at $5.00 each for the first performance was to indemnify Eighmey and Waller who were investing $15,000. (1) The successful sale of tickets, investment of the two businessmen, and the value of the ground and building were expected to create a pool of money on which they were expected to receive at least ten percent interest above the expenses for taxes and insurance.
The Dubuque Herald on April 25, 1877 mentioned that C. H. Eighmey and Waller, aired plans for the structure. There were to be patent folding opera chairs, a large and beautiful stage, excellent scenery, opera boxes, and entrances and egresses that would offer the best protection in case of fire or other accident. The entrance would be on Main Street on the ground floor with the hallway decorated with classical statutes and brilliant chandeliers. (1)
Wallace Hume, an architect from Chicago, refurbished the interior. The ground floor was occupied by stores and the box office. Beginning at the grand entrance, visitors walked up stairs to the 85'x54' auditorium containing 920 chairs upholstered in maroon velvet with iron backs ornamented in bronze. The parquette circle was divided from the parquette by velvet-trimmed railings supported by posts. This area contained five hundred folding chairs. The two box seats, capable of comfortably seating six people each, were trimmed in gold and white with crimson draperies and lace curtains. The 32'x 35' stage was supplied with three rows of top-lights with reflectors and a row of foot-lights inset into the part of the stage in front of the curtain. (2)
Under the stage were nine dressing-rooms. The theater was also equipped with scenery for sixteen settings. The interior was lighted by fifty gas jets and an equal number under a calcium reflector in the dome. (3)
The renamed Duncan-Waller Opera House was opened on December 28, 1877 for a production of the "Chimes of Normandy." (4) In 1893 it was renamed the MAIN STREET OPERA HOUSE.
See further The Duncan-Waller Opera House Advertisements, Preview & Reviews, 1878-1893, Researched and Compiled by Paul Hemmer.
Also Duncan-Waller 1889 Playbills.
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Source:
1. "The Opera House," Dubuque Herald, April 25, 1877, provided by Brian COOPER
2. Oldt, Franklin T. History of Dubuque County, Iowa Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1880, p. 668
3. "Theater at Fourth and Main..."
4. Oldt.
