National Register Listing

Warren Opera House Block and Hetherington Block

156 Public Sq., Greenfield, IA
The Warren Opera House and Hetherington Blocks, which together form a discrete unit on the east side of Greenfield's courthouse square, stand as well-preserved examples of Iowa's small-town opera house and commercial architecture from the late 19th century. The interior arrangement of the opera house block, and commercial space, was a characteristic typical of the state's small-town opera houses, and a prudent one, since the population of the community would not be sufficient to adequately support a theater alone. The opera house is prominently sited, and the turret is a typical feature of corner-lot commercial architecture influenced by the late 19th-century revival of Romanesque forms. The Hetherington block is an appropriate companion piece, repeating the basic architectural elements of the opera house, but varying sufficiently in treatment of detail to be noticeable as a separate structure.

The contract was let for both buildings in May 1896, to B.F. Garmer of Greenfield, who worked from plans by C.E. Bell and F. Kent of Council Bluffs. Warren's dry goods store opened at its new location on December 1 of that year. The Chase-Lister theatrical company's "Caprice" opened the opera house, to poor reviews, on December 14.

E.E. Warren was born in New London, Henry County, Iowa, in 1862. He came to Greenfield in 1879, after several years clerking in local general stores in New London. For 25 years Warren was employed at Greenfield's A.P. Stephens and Co., and then for two more years at Stephens' branch in Creston. In 1883, Warren went into partnership with Stephens, and the firm's name was changed to Fuller, Warren and Co. In 1886, Warren bought out his partners, brought his brother F.C. into the firm, and renamed it yet again "Warren Bros.". Warren took sole ownership in 1889, and operated the business until 1910. That year, he went west, apparently to oversee his agricultural holdings in the Dakotas. He returned to Greenfield and reopened his dry goods store, which he operated until his death.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture houses residential buildings
Iowa is known for its agricultural production, but did you know that it was once a major producer of coal? In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Iowa had more than 200 coal mines, and coal was the state's leading industry.
Iowa random facts
Adair County, located in Iowa, has a rich history dating back to its early settlement in the mid-19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, namely the Sauk and Meskwaki. The first European presence came in the 1830s with the establishment of a trading post. However, it wasn't until the 1850s that permanent settlements were established by white settlers.

Adair County was officially organized in 1851 and named after John Adair, a prominent Kentucky governor and U.S. Congressman. The county experienced rapid population growth during this time, with immigrants from the eastern United States and European countries moving in to take advantage of the fertile farming lands and economic opportunities. Additionally, the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further spurred development in the area, facilitating transportation and trade.

Agriculture has always been a significant economic driver in Adair County. Farmers primarily cultivated crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. Livestock farming also played a crucial role, with cattle and hog production becoming important sectors. The county's agricultural output continued to expand, and improvements in technology and irrigation methods further boosted productivity.

Throughout its history, Adair County has faced challenges, including extreme weather events such as floods, tornadoes, and droughts. The Great Depression of the 1930s also impacted the county's economy, leading to significant population decline. However, the resilience and determination of the residents helped the area recover and prosper in the subsequent years.

Today, Adair County thrives as a vibrant community with a diverse economy. While agriculture remains a vital industry, the county has also seen growth in manufacturing, education, healthcare, and tourism sectors. With its rich history and commitment to progress, Adair County continues to be a place where both residents and visitors can enjoy a high quality of life.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Adair County, Iowa.

  • 1851: Adair County was officially established.
  • 1853: The first recorded settlement, called Adair City, was established.
  • 1855: The county seat was temporarily moved to Fontanelle.
  • 1855: The county seat was permanently established in Greenfield.
  • 1890: The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad reached Adair County.
  • 1895: The Creston and Northern Railway was built through Adair County.
  • 1912: The Orient Railway was extended into Adair County, providing another transportation route.
  • 1945: The Greenfield Municipal Airport was established.
  • 1980: The Van Meter State Park was officially dedicated.