Opera Hall turning 121 years old

The Opera Hall is turning 121 years old on Oct. 29 and the Society for the Preservation of Minneota Heritage (SPMH) committee is inviting the public to help celebrate the occasion with an Open House.
Each year, the SPMH has observed the anniversary of the opening of the Opera Hall on Oct. 29, 1902.
This year, the Opera Hall will be open to the public with a potluck lunch being served from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., and refreshments from 12-3 p.m.
"People are encouraged to spend time looking at displays and experiencing one of Minneota's historic places," said SPMH President Wendy Sarazyn.
The Opera Hall was refurnished and restored under the guidance of the SPMH recently. Many people have noticed and commented on how intriguing the Opera Hall is now.
Several events have already been held in the Opera Hall since its restoration project. The Opera Hall is located on the second floor of the former Big Store building. The first floor now houses the Minneota Public Library, while a portion of the Opera Hall is being used as a local historical museum with vintage items.
When O.G. Anderson and Company had the Opera Hall put atop the Big Store, it was intended to be used for public enjoyment with plays and musicals on the stage that is still present today. The walls behind the stage are filled with signatures of those involved in stage productions over the years.
Over 500 people, according to a Mascot review in 1902, gathered for the much-anticipated Grand Opening on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 1902. The event was sponsored free of charge by O.G. Anderson and Company. Also, 150 couples took part in the Grand March. The last dance was held at 3:05 a.m. on Oct. 30.
The Opera Hall eventually became even more useful with political candidates giving talks, lecturers coming from as far away as Boston, showing of motion pictures, roller skating parties, and even basketball games. The upstairs happenings could be easily heard in the Big Store below.
The first stage show at the Opera Hall was "East Lynne", which was presented the night after the Grand Opening ball on Oct. 30, 1902. Gowns worn by leading actress Gloria Harper cost as much as $1,000.
On average, the Opera Hall was being used six nights a week for entertainment purposes.
The SPMH kept the original floor to preserve the Hall's historical value. The former ticket/coat room once used in the Opera Hall is also still in place.
A LULA elevator was installed last year for easier access to and from the Opera Hall.