   The transformation of plasterwork within the theater has continued with the Homestake legacy carrying it on. The second lower wall project is underway, nicknamed the "Ed RossWall." A $10,000 kickoff donation was made for this special project in memory of longtime Homestake electrical engineer and Wyodak mine manager Harold "Ed" Ross. Other donors have also given to the project.
The generous donation was made by Ed & Teen Ross' family, whose Homestake roots run deep. Ed's wife, Teen, was a dancer and performed several times on the Homestake Opera House stage. The Ross Shaft in Lead is named after Ed's uncle Alec Ross, who was superintendent of the Homestake mine for more than 25 years. Ed installed the communications system within the mine that allowed hoist operators to talk with miners in the cage. He was injured in a work-related explosion in 1946 and lost most of his vision, but even though he was legally blind, he went on to manage the Wyodak power plant and coal mine for 25 years until retiring in 1973 and returning to Lead. Other donors have also stepped forward to see this lower wall restored. The north lower "Ed Ross wall" project is slated to be completed in September 2017. Photos courtesy Historic Homestake Opera House. In Memory of Harold Edward Ross
Edward & June Pullen In Memory of Jim & Betty Dunn In Memory of Marjorie Morcom Wayne & Kelly Klein Maxine Morcom Connie Hyde Tim & Karen Raben In Memory of Barney Ruffatto In Memory of Delores Ghere In Memory of John & Anna Zupet Lead High School Class of 1962 In Memory of Lance Picore and John Holso Dale Berkebile & Donnabelle Talty Mary Lerdal & Patrick Badiuk Jerry Aberle Dennes Barrett Scott Hertl of Koala Electric |
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Theater Entrance / Physical Address
313 West Main Street, Lead, SD Gift Shop Entrance / Arts Center 309 West Main Street, Lead, SD Office Hours Located at the back entrance at 308 Julius St., Lead, SD 605-584-2067 Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Mailing Address PO BOX 412, LEAD, SD 57754 |
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HISTORIC HOMESTAKE OPERA HOUSE SOCIETY MISSION:
Built in 1914 by the Phoebe Hearst and her Homestake Gold Mining Company, this historic performing arts venue and recreation center boasted an exquisite theater with 1,000 seats, and a library, a bowling alley, a billiards hall, a social hall, and a heated indoor swimming pool.
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 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.
While these efforts continue, the Society makes use of the facility to the extent possible to generate revenue and advance its mission. The theater is host to 40 performing arts/educational events while restoration progress is underway from a fire in 1984. The theater currently seats 500. Visit year-round for building tours and see the new Interpretive Center upstairs and recently restored walls in the theater.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Click here to read our full statement.