Delphi, Indiana: The Opera House Part 2
Jun 8th, 2010 | By Jessica Nunemaker | Category: Delphi, Play, little Towns
The Delphi, Indiana Opera House is amazing. It has definitely been the most surprising tour I’ve been on yet – incredible history and architecture (and volunteers who know their stuff – thanks Julie K.).
Built back in 1865, the Opera House is actually located on the third floor (after two very steep flights of stairs, perfect for hoop skirts!) but was used more as an event hall than anything else.
It wasn’t until the floor was built up with risers twenty years later that the Opera House became the place to be — attracting performers of all kinds…and even James Whitcomb Riley!
The famed poet became inspired after visiting a pond in Delphi, so much that he had to write a poem about it: The Old Swimmin’ Hole. As you can see from the photo – visiting performers left their mark on the place: literally.
Actors and actresses signed their names along the back wall behind the stage, sometimes drawing pictures (self portraits?) and sometimes even leaving behind the date. Unfortunately, no one has found James Whitcomb Riley’s name. Will you?
Another fun fact about this Opera House is that, once upon a time, the connecting building was a hotel that the various performers used to get ready (and stay, I’m sure).
The old door has long since been bricked over and the building next door? The upper level is an apartment. The Opera House managed to stay in business (competing against, I believe, two others in Delphi!) until 1915 when the place was shut down – a third floor Opera House with only one way out does not make for a safe place in case of fire!
The Opera House fell into a state of decay – and was mainly used as storage. Storage! Ugh – if that isn’t the saddest thing. As you can probably tell from Delphi, Indiana: The Opera House Photo Gallery Part One – this place is really in need of renovation.
Fortunately, the Delphi Preservation Society has come to the rescue, receiving grants and donations (even we contributed) to spiff the place up, recreate many of its amazing features, and generally make it useable once again. Finally – a happy ending!
There are so many reasons to head to Delphi, Indiana – the Opera House is just one more! You can be sure that little Indiana is going to keep tabs on this one – and make plenty of return trips to check on the progress (and not just because of the yummy bakery across the street. That has nothing to do with it. What? What? You don’t believe me?).
As always, check out my Flickr photostream for more Delphi, Indiana Opera House goodness!
Opera House Gallery of Contemporary Art (Opera House tour starts here and takes you next door)
109 S. Washington Street
Delphi, Indiana 46923
765.564.4300 or 765.202.3211
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July 5th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
Thanks for the posting about Delphi. Delphi is my home town (I grew up there from 9 mo. to college) but I haven’t been back since the family all died out. I remember the Opera House as a kid as being this creepy, haunted place full of stuff covered with sheets. We used to get the key from a woman on the second floor (who shall forever remain anonymous since everyone worried about toxoplasmosis) and wander around.
Your website is marvelous. Small town Indiana is way past its heyday — which was probably 1855-1885 or so — but there is so much evidence of history from that period has survived that hasn’t in the cities and suburbs. New England values the 1600s, Virginia the 1700s… but the Gilded Age is lost most places, but not all.
July 7th, 2010 at 5:58 am
@Doug I’m not sure I agree that the small town is past its heyday — I’ve visited plenty that have grown in leaps and bounds!
@Paul There is nothing better than cider! I’ll have to check it out in the Fall. Thanks for the heads up! I hope, hope, hope she’s still making it!!!