Beaver Opera House
55 E. Center St., Beaver, UTThe Beaver Opera House is locally significant as an indicator of the aspirations of the citizens of Beaver to build a "New Beaver" that would be the envy of other communities. The building, constructed during the 1908-1909 period, also reflects the particular importance of community entertainment in the culture of Utah. Although there were as many as 30 "opera houses" in Utah, the Beaver Opera House is one of the few that have not been destroyed or severely altered. In addition, the building is an impressive example of a monumental public building constructed of tuff, the pink stone used in many Beaver residences.
The Beaver Opera House was built between March 1908 and March 1909. The building was designed and built by the architectural firm of Liljenberg and Maeser at a reported cost of $20,000. The seating capacity of the building was 1000. The original proposal for the three-story building was of a grander scale than the actual building as constructed. The plans for the building included a balcony on the third floor, the auditorium and stage on the second, and a dance pavilion on the first floor. When the building was completed, the auditorium was used as a dance pavilion, a gymnasium, and a theater offering live drama and later, movies.
The Opera House was one of the several buildings that constituted the beginning of "the New Beaver." The board of directors for this building was quoted as having said that "no money or labor will be spared in making this the finest playhouse south of Salt Lake,... nothing is too good for the people of Beaver..." The Opera House Company was headed by R. R. Tanner, who served as president. Other members included G. N. Greenwood, D. I. Frazer, J. P. Barton, J. R. Murdock, A. J. Hardy, and W. J. Robinson.
The Beaver Opera House served as the center for community and church affairs for two decades. Among the dramatists who performed in the Opera House were Ralph Cloniger, Luke Cosgrave, Shelby Roach, and Walter Christensen. From 1929 until c. 1955, the building was used as an office and storage space for the Utah National Guard. The interior of the building is now barn-like, but plans are being made to use the building as a senior citizens' recreational center.
Local significance of the building:
The Beaver Opera House was built between March 1908 and March 1909. The building was designed and built by the architectural firm of Liljenberg and Maeser at a reported cost of $20,000. The seating capacity of the building was 1000. The original proposal for the three-story building was of a grander scale than the actual building as constructed. The plans for the building included a balcony on the third floor, the auditorium and stage on the second, and a dance pavilion on the first floor. When the building was completed, the auditorium was used as a dance pavilion, a gymnasium, and a theater offering live drama and later, movies.
The Opera House was one of the several buildings that constituted the beginning of "the New Beaver." The board of directors for this building was quoted as having said that "no money or labor will be spared in making this the finest playhouse south of Salt Lake,... nothing is too good for the people of Beaver..." The Opera House Company was headed by R. R. Tanner, who served as president. Other members included G. N. Greenwood, D. I. Frazer, J. P. Barton, J. R. Murdock, A. J. Hardy, and W. J. Robinson.
The Beaver Opera House served as the center for community and church affairs for two decades. Among the dramatists who performed in the Opera House were Ralph Cloniger, Luke Cosgrave, Shelby Roach, and Walter Christensen. From 1929 until c. 1955, the building was used as an office and storage space for the Utah National Guard. The interior of the building is now barn-like, but plans are being made to use the building as a senior citizens' recreational center.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
About National Register Listings
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.
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Utah was the site of the first-ever transcontinental railroad connection in the United States. The historic meeting of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads took place on May 10, 1869, at Promontory Summit, Utah.
About Beaver County
Beaver County Timeline
Beaver County, Utah has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was home to the Paiute Indian Tribe, who lived off the land and utilized the resources of the region. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1850s, led by Mormon pioneers seeking new opportunities and a place to practice their faith.
The town of Beaver, which would become the county seat, was established in 1856. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived, drawn by the fertile soil and ample water sources. Agriculture became the mainstay of the local economy, with crops such as wheat, corn, and fruit thriving in Beaver County's mild climate. Early settlers also raised livestock and operated small-scale mining operations, primarily for gold and silver.
In the late 1800s, transportation became a major factor in Beaver County's development. The Union Pacific Railroad extended its line to the region, opening up new markets and opportunities for the residents. The railroad brought an influx of tourists and businessmen, leading to the growth of hotels, businesses, and services in Beaver and other towns.
Throughout the 20th century, Beaver County continued to thrive through agriculture, mining, and tourism. The county experienced the boom and bust cycles associated with these industries, but managed to adapt and remain resilient. Today, Beaver County is known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its friendly community. It is a testament to the perseverance and hard work of its early pioneers and the generations that followed.
The town of Beaver, which would become the county seat, was established in 1856. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived, drawn by the fertile soil and ample water sources. Agriculture became the mainstay of the local economy, with crops such as wheat, corn, and fruit thriving in Beaver County's mild climate. Early settlers also raised livestock and operated small-scale mining operations, primarily for gold and silver.
In the late 1800s, transportation became a major factor in Beaver County's development. The Union Pacific Railroad extended its line to the region, opening up new markets and opportunities for the residents. The railroad brought an influx of tourists and businessmen, leading to the growth of hotels, businesses, and services in Beaver and other towns.
Throughout the 20th century, Beaver County continued to thrive through agriculture, mining, and tourism. The county experienced the boom and bust cycles associated with these industries, but managed to adapt and remain resilient. Today, Beaver County is known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its friendly community. It is a testament to the perseverance and hard work of its early pioneers and the generations that followed.
Beaver County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Beaver County, Utah.
- 1776 - Spanish explorers from California pass through the area
- 1826 - American trapper and explorer Jedediah Smith visits the region
- 1856 - Mormon pioneers settle in Beaver County
- 1861 - Beaver County is officially established
- 1872 - Railroad reaches Beaver, providing economic boost
- 1895 - Beaver County Courthouse is built in Beaver
- 1906 - Tintic Mining District is established, bringing mining boom
- 1931 - Completion of historic Beaver Dam Lodge and Golf Course
- 1970 - Completion of Beaver Mountain Ski Resort
- 1985 - Completion of Minersville Reservoir