National Register Listing

Corning Opera House

800 Davis Ave., Corning, IA
The Coming Opera House (1902) at 800 Davis Avenue is locally significant under Criterion A in the area of Performing Arts as the building most closely associated with live stage entertainment in Coming. Between the early 1880s and the early 1930s Corning could boast of at least one opera house in operation, sometimes two operating concurrently. The present Corning Opera House, the subject of this nomination, 15 at least the third building known to have served as a performa Coming. The first known opera house, G.C. Calkin's (1883) at 8th and Benton, is non-extant. The second, the Palace Rink Opera House (pre-1886) at 6th and Adams, has been dramatically altered and is deemed ineligible for the National Register at this time. The present opera house offered a variety of theatrical productions to residents of Corning and the surrounding area for over thirty years (19021934), serving as a community gathering place and the center of the town's cultural life. Its construction was noted as a culminating achievement in Corning's social history: that it was called "an ornament to the city" reveals its importance as a source of civic pride. Its association with the attached city hall also reflects the opera house's prominence in town life.

Between c. 1920 and 1931, the opera house functioned primarily as a movie theater, the largest of its kind in Coming for ten years, but it also housed vaudeville shows and high school plays on occasion. The opera house's period of significance begins with its construction in 1902 and ends with the last live production known to have been staged there. Blue Heaven, directed by Milo Green in 1934
The Corning Opera House is an opera hall, the intermediate type of theater structure, by virtue of its second-floor location, relatively small stage, two exits, lack of box scats, and spare interior decoration. Its raked floor with fixed, cushioned opera chairs, its raked, horseshoe balcony, and the fact that it has specialized rooms backstage, on the other hand, indicate that it was designed with the presentation of drama in mind rather than as a multifunctional hall. As such it is the best remaining evidence live stage theater tradition in Corning,
Local significance of the building:
Entertainment/recreation; Performing Arts

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

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.

entertainment recreation performing arts architecture houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Iowa.
The famous outlaw Jesse James once robbed a bank in Corydon, Iowa in 1871. It was the first bank robbery in the state's history.
Iowa random facts
Adams County, Iowa, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich history that traces back to the early 19th century. The county was officially established on January 15, 1851, and was named after John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States. Prior to European settlement, the area was home to Native American tribes, including the Sac and Fox tribes.

The first settlers arrived in Adams County in the early 1850s, drawn by the fertile soils and opportunity for farming. The county quickly developed an agricultural economy, with settlers cultivating corn, wheat, and oats. As more settlers arrived, small towns and communities began to emerge, providing necessary services and creating a sense of community.

One significant event in Adams County's history was the establishment of Corning as the county seat in 1864. This decision sparked controversy and led to a legal battle, as other towns in the county vied for the title. After a series of court cases, Corning ultimately won and became the permanent county seat, solidifying its importance in the region.

Over the years, Adams County experienced growth and development. Railroads were built, connecting the county to larger markets and stimulating economic growth. Schools, churches, and other community organizations were established, further enhancing the quality of life for residents. Today, Adams County continues to thrive as an agricultural community, with a strong sense of history and community pride.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Adams County, Iowa.

  • 1851: Adams County is established by the Iowa General Assembly as an official county in the state.
  • 1853: The town of Quincy is designated as the county seat.
  • 1854: The first courthouse is constructed in Quincy.
  • 1867: The county seat is moved to Corning due to its more central location.
  • 1875: The second courthouse is completed in Corning.
  • 1880: The Adams County Free Fair is established, becoming one of the oldest county fairs in Iowa.
  • 1881: The Quincy & Pacific Railroad is completed, providing improved transportation to the county.
  • 1893: The third and current courthouse is built in Corning.
  • 1925: Adams County Memorial Hospital is established in Corning.
  • 1936: Lake Icaria, a man-made lake, is created as a Works Progress Administration project.
  • 1965: Nodaway Valley Community School District is formed, consolidating several smaller school districts.
  • 1975: An outdoor amphitheater is constructed at Lake Icaria, providing a venue for various cultural events.
  • 1992: The Adams County Conservation Board is established to oversee the county's parks and wildlife areas.
  • 2009: The Corning Opera House is renovated and reopens as a venue for concerts and community events.