West Liberty History 1838-1938

Source: One Hundred Years of History
* Commemorating a Century of Progress in the West Liberty Community * WEST LIBERTY, IOWA
OPERA HOUSE

In 1910 the present West Liberty opera house was built at a cost of $ 18, 944.50, the money being raised by popular subscription, and stock subscribed by members of the Knights of Pythias lodge. The first floor was used for an opera house and second floor by the Knights of Pythias and Pythian Sisters.

The first show to be held in this opera house was a benefit play, the funds going to buy the equipment. Will Maxson had leased the opera house and he, with C. A. Nichols and G. B. Embree were to have charge of the play. Ivan Noland had charge of the ticket sale. "The Traveling Salesman" was the play. It was held on Tuesday, December 6, 1910. The ticket sale opened at 2:00 p.m. on the 30th day of November and by 6:00 p.m. half of the seats were sold, the price being $ 1.50, $ 2.00 and $ 2,50. "Fig" Morris was the first ticket purchaser and he took the front row in the balcony, 21 seats. He locked up his store and they all attended. The house seated 763 people. The total sales for the night were $ 2, 112,00. The Cresent Five composed of C. N. Rowley, Archie Ditmars, Elmer and Clyde Wells and Pearl Probst furnished music.

The first show held under Mr. Maxson's lease was "Nancy" a musical drama, on December 19th, 1910. The house was entirely sold.

Since that time the opera house has ceaed to have road shows, and has been turned into a moving picture house known as the Strand now operated by Paul Tobias.

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