A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
From the Photo series: A Closer Look: Explore Western New York’s architectural treasures series
The Fredonia Village Hall and Opera House, designed by architect Enoch Curtis in what has been described as "Queen Anne eclectic style," was built for $28,960 and opened with great fanfare in 1891. Drama performances, vaudeville shows and light operas graced the stage in its early years, but it operated mostly as a neighborhood movie house from 1926 until it closed in 1981. A proposal to demolish it met with fierce community opposition, and the Fredonia Preservation Society was formed to lobby for its restoration. The work was completed in 1994. Among its features are a horseshoe-shaped balcony and a tin ceiling which replaced the water-damaged original frescoed plaster ceiling.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
Cars pass by the 1891 Fredonia Opera House and Village Hall on Temple Street in Fredonia. A plan to demolish the building in 1983 caused a public outcry, and the Fredonia Preservation Society was formed to lobby to save the building, according to the opera house website.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
Some of the exterior windows framed in the red brick of the Fredonia Opera House which opened in 1891 with a gala affair and a presentation of historical drama "Josephine, Empress of the French."
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
Exterior windows framed in the red brick of the Fredonia Opera House.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
The architect used building elements like those found in some of the major classical theaters all over the world.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
A movie poster for this year's Best Picture Oscar winner "Green Book" hangs outside the entrance to the Fredonia Opera House.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
The entrance to the Fredonia Opera House.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
The Opera House was closed during the summer of 1926 only to reopen under new management in the fall, now as the Winter Garden Theatre. The opera house originally had folding wooden chairs, which were replaced in 1926 with the larger upholstered seats.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
The originally frescoed plaster ceiling was damaged by water and in 1903 was replaced by the current tin ceiling, which has since been refurbished.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
The Winter Garden operated mostly as a neighborhood movie house and did very well until the attendance began to drop as more modern theaters opened in the area. The theater closed in 1981 just 10 years short of its centennial.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
This hand-operated windlass was used in the 1890s to open and close the stage curtain. It's shown here on display in the back of the balcony.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
In the early 1980s, the Fredonia Preservation Society was formed to help save the Village Hall and its Theatre from the wrecking ball. The Society mounted a campaign to restore the Opera House; the restoration was completed In 1994.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
Hand-painted scenery silks and canvas found during the restoration are displayed on the side of stage right.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
Part of the brass railing in the balcony of the theatre.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
The theater is known for its excellent acoustics and that attracted many of the best late 19th and early 20th century entertainers. The stage was used for light opera, minstrel shows, dramatic presentations, music recitals and more.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
Running lights hang in the wings of the stage at the Fredonia Opera House.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
Stairs that lead from the green room to the stage are original to the structure.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
Performers' pictures line the walls of the green room at the Fredonia Opera House.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
The green room in the basement of the Fredonia Opera House.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
The ticket office is located in the front of the house inside the theater.
A Closer Look: The 1891 Fredonia Opera House
The 1937 35mm movie projector that was in use until 2013 when the projection was converted to a digital system.
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