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“It has been reported by people who know |
Quick history of the Historic Homestake Opera House
Through its restoration, the Opera House will illustrate and illuminate the benefits of historic preservation, as set forth in the guidelines of the Secretary of the Department of Interior, educating and informing the public as the Opera House once again provides a venue for educational and cultural activity in the community.
From its construction in 1914 until a catastrophic fire in 1984, the Opera House was the center of community life and lifelong education in Lead, South Dakota. The Historic Opera House Society is dedicated to its restoration, use, and preservation for future generations, in the belief that it is the cornerstone for the preservation, renewal, and development of our community.
The society’s focus is on fundraising to acquire funds as necessary to complete the restoration of the theater and recreation center building to bring back “The Jewel of the Black Hills” to its original 1914 glory. While these efforts continue, the Society makes use of the facility to the extent possible to generate revenue and advance its mission.
From its construction in 1914 until a catastrophic fire in 1984, the Opera House was the center of community life and lifelong education in Lead, South Dakota. The Historic Opera House Society is dedicated to its restoration, use, and preservation for future generations, in the belief that it is the cornerstone for the preservation, renewal, and development of our community.
The society’s focus is on fundraising to acquire funds as necessary to complete the restoration of the theater and recreation center building to bring back “The Jewel of the Black Hills” to its original 1914 glory. While these efforts continue, the Society makes use of the facility to the extent possible to generate revenue and advance its mission.
1914The Homestake Opera House and Recreation Building
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This incredible building was constructed in 1914, and boasted a theater that sat 1,000 people and also housed an heated indoor swimming pool, billiard hall, library, bowling alley, a smoking room, social hall and more. This theater and recreation center was conceived and built by Homestake Mining Company superintendent, Thomas Grier, and Phoebe Apperson Hearst, widow of mining magnate George Hearst who was the owner of the Homestake Mining Company.
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1984 |
This building was the heart of the mining town of Lead (pronounced “leed”) and the social and cultural heart of the northern Black Hills for 70 years. But in 1984, the theater portion of the building was nearly destroyed by fire – and it sat empty for 11 years.
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1995
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It was purchased from the City of Lead in 1995 by Jerry Aberle, former Homestake engineer, and planning for restoration and structural improvements began. A nonprofit organization was formed in 1998 and $3 million was raised. Reconstruction of the stage and theater floors, restoration of the foyers, lobby, and plasterwork was expertly completed by former Homestake Gold Mine employees. Also added was an elevator, restrooms; and a floor was installed over the pool area that created offices and a conference center.
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2008
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In 2008, the first community theatre production in 25 years was celebrated by the Gold Camp Players, establishing a theatre program in the community. This program continues, with musicals, adult comedy plays, and children’s shows year-round.
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2009-2010 |
In 2009 and 2010, new windows, fire safe doors, updated sound system, and heated floors were installed in the theater and the women’s lounge completed.
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2011-2014
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Fundraising and programming continued, and in 2013, the golden murals were restored near the foyer ceiling. In the foyer in 2014 the original water fountain was returned, and cloakroom, men’s lounge/smoking room was restored. On the 100th Anniversary of the building, the cherub sculptures were returned to their location near the stage, and $150,000 was raised for architectural plans for theater and stage.
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2015-20162017-2018
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In 2015, the wood floors in the original library space were restored to make way for a new Interpretive Center that opened in 2016.
Restoration within the theater is beginning. Read more. All year round this nonprofit historic performing arts venue continuously features tours, concerts, theatre, educational field trips and presentations and corporate events.
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