Name/Title
Newspaper - 1871 Then and Now Bull Opera HouseEntry/Object ID
002658Tags
Bull Opera House, MiddletownScope and Content
Then and now
Bull's Opera House (1871) called 'perfect gem'
By EDWARD P. DOUGHERTY
Executive Editor
"A perfect gem."
That was how a reporter for the Evening Press of Middletown described the brand new Bull's Opera House after a sneak preview of the place 100 years ago this week.
The Opera House, on West Main Street at the head of Canal Street, was scheduled to open in late March of 1871. In mid-February of that year Albert Bull, builder and owner of the opera house, invited several newspapermen and some "distinguished citizens" to a preview.
"Everyone was surprised and warmly expressed their admiration at the elegant and artistic manner in which the building is being finished
"There is nothing of the kind that will begin to compare with it in this county and, indeed, anything on the line of the Erie Railroad except it be in Elmira."
Mr. Bull received warm congratulations from his guests and the Press praised him for his cultural interest in the Village of Middletown.
"No expense has been spared," said the Press," to make this building thoroughly substantial and safe."
The Press reported further that the 24 shifts of scenery made available at the Opera House were fire proof.
Fresco work was being completed at the time of the February tour by J.E. Shedick, an artist "accomplished in this kind of work."
The drop curtain, said the Press, "is a beautiful painting representing a Temple in Baalbek."
The main lobby of Bull's Opera House was on the second floor of the building. Balconies (2) extended to the fourth floor.
A wide staircase led from East Main Street to the main lobby. Along the street there were store fronts (not occupied as yet in February 1971) with the greatest expanse of plate glass ever used in a building in Middletown.
The issue of the Press which reported the preview also carried advertisements announcing the grand opening on March 20.
Speaker for that occasion was P.T. Barnum of circus fame. His topic: "Health, Wealth and Happiness."