The eagerly awaited grand opening in the beautiful new Opera House was performed by the Sheehan English
Opera Company led by Joseph F. Sheehan, "American's Greatest Tenor."
The company, billed as "one of the best making dates in the United States," presented
selections from the operas of "Martha," "Il Trovatore," and
"Bohemian Girl," with admission prices ranging from twenty-five cents to one dollar.
Every seat in the 1,016 occupancy was bought by fashionably dressed men, women and children from
Lead, Deadwood and surrounding towns.
The grand opening was over, but the entertainment had just begun for the citizens of Lead and
surrounding communities. Silent movies began immediately, with several showings daily. Admission
prices were five cents with the hopes they would not have to be raised about ten cents.
In the beginning lines of people stretched out into the street to view the silent pictures. Silent films such as "The Boy from the Poor House" and the comedy "The Mysterious Package" and "Our Neighbors" were a few of the features people lined up to see. During the early years, a three-piece orchestra with piano, cello, and violin were part of the entertainment offered.
Traveling road shows were scheduled at frequent intervals and greeted with full houses. Such presentations as D.M. Howe's "The Time, the Place and the Girl," a musical comedy would begin a tradition of live entertainment that would continue for years.
On September 22, Homestake Superintendent and Opera House and Recreation Building founder,
Thomas Grier passed away. The Homestake Opera House immediately
closed its doors out of respect, informing the public that it
would remain closed until after the funeral. A musical extravaganza by the Elks Minstrels, which had
been scheduled for that time, was postponed until the next week. Lead was in mourning.
His body arrived in Lead a few days later for a funeral procession in which
thousands would line the streets to watch.
Reproduction of this material without written permission is strictly forbidden. ©2008 - The Historic Homestake Opera House®. All rights reserved.
The Historic Homestake Opera House, 309 Main St, Lead SD 57754, (605)584-2067