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GRAND OPERA HOUSE (Grand Army Hall) The
Opera House was believed to have been built in 1884 by the Old
Soldier Association. Many men assisted in the venture, but they
still owed about $1000 on it which they were unable to pay. The
Martin Lumber Co. had to take the property on its bill for
materials. Then several men in the community contributed $100
each and formed the Seneca Opera Co. They kept the building
open for rental, to stock companies for plays, and it was used
a great deal for dances and political meetings. It was, in
fact, the old town hall.
The Opera House was equipped with an
abundance of scenery and all stage paraphernalia, lighted by
electricity and gas, and had a seating capacity for a 1000
people. All of this and the building were destroyed by the
great tornado of May 17, 1896. The hall was laid flat at an
estimated loss of $10,000".
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Information in
account of paper is that the Grand Opera House
was destroyed and the steeple of the Methodist Church was laying
in the street as one can se in this drawing it is gone.
Paper also tell the steeple of the Universal Church
was gone also. .
(Old Rock Church)
Every Church in the city was damaged
and the Catholic Church was damaged to the extent it had been
reported it would have to be rebuilt from the foundation up
however I believe this did not happen.
This building had stood on the south side
of main near where the Seneca Florist is today (year 2004).
Second picture is a sketch from 1896 Seneca Times which
verifies the location.
The The Old Solders Association built
a second building and it is my belief it was on the north side
of main in the 800 block. I have no documentation
would I not say this as a fact until I do see
information to prove such. If any one has any information
as to this or know the date of such I would like that
information so I could search the old papers. I have see
photos of such a building but can not come up with it at this
time.
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