Miss Chapman: 

Ah my favourite place in the city, the Grand Opera House! I am a violinist for the multiple shows that occur at the Grand. The city likes to gather here to watch musical and theatrical performances. Speaking of our performances held at the Grand, here is the director of the orchestra. Professor Hyde!

[Enter Professor Hyde]

Professor Hyde: 

Good day Miss Chapman! What brings you to the house this early on the day of a show?

Miss Chapman: 

Good day. Professor Hyde! I am dropping off my violin for the show tonight and also showing my friend around town. Would you mind telling them a bit about yourself?

Professor Hyde: 

Well as Miss Chapman said, I am Professor J. H. Hyde, the director of the Grand Opera House orchestra. I joined it shortly after I moved to the city in 1885. Sometimes I also play at the Stephenson House. That’s a ballroom over on Yates Street, if you were not aware. I hope to make the most of my music career here and perhaps even go to the United States to play in concerts. That would be grand, would it not?

Miss Chapman: 

That sounds wonderful! You are definitely a talented man sir.

Professor Hyde: 

Why thank you! I intend to live an active life before I settle down and marry. I would love to talk more but I must leave to prepare for tonight’s show. You can talk to Mary about the building and its history. Have a great day Miss Chapman!

[The scene shifts as Professor Hyde disappears, and Mary Holder Williamson appears].

Mary Holder Williamson: 

How do you do? Ready for the show tonight?

Miss Chapman: 

I am indeed and am looking forward to it! I just came to drop off my violin and to show my new friend around St. Catharines. Would you mind telling them a bit about yourself and the history of the Opera House?

Mary Holder Williamson: 

Sure! I am Mary Holder Williamson. As you may have heard, I’m one of the members of Professor Hyde’s orchestra. My father, Tom Holder, used to be a part of the orchestra here as well. Anyway, enough about me, let’s get to the actual building. The Grand Opera House opened in 1877 under the name of the Academy of Music. Becoming a hub for the citizens of St. Catharines, with its beautiful interior, fine oak seating, red velvet curtains, and the remarkable ornate arch over the stage called a proscenium finished with gold and silver leaf.

Miss Chapman: 

Absolutely. If I do say so myself, I think this is one of the grandest Opera Houses on this side of the hemisphere! It attracts spectators from far and wide to enjoy its wonderful entertainments!

Mary Holder Williamson: 

It is quite a remarkable place to play in especially when all 1200 seats are filled up. It can feel quite daunting to some but I live for it. The city also has travelling acts that draw tourists and bring entertainment to the citizens of St. Catharines. This place is truly the centre piece of this great town.

Miss Chapman: 

I agree. The Grand Opera House has been used for everything from meetings to symphonies. Without it, St. Catharines would be a very different city.

Mary Holder Williamson: 

Right you are! Anyways, I’ve got to go start warming up and practicing for the show tonight. I will see you later tonight Miss Chapman, and good luck on your tour.

Miss Chapman: 

Of course, thank you for your time. See you tonight!

[Exit Mary]

Narrator: 

The Opera House continued as an important entertainment venue until the early 20th century. Sadly, in 1926, the interior of the building was destroyed by a fire. The exterior survived, and the building was converted into a bowling alley. In 1992, another fire ended the building’s use as an entertainment centre. Both the front and rear buildings were demolished in 1998.

Miss Chapman: 

Alright. Well, if we want to get to MacLaren’s department store before it closes, we should stop loitering around the grand. Let’s go to the next building in our tour, the Odd Fellows Hall.

Narrator: 

You can access the Odd Fellows Hall by clicking the “Next” button below.