The
Grand Opera House's Rich History
(Click
on any image below to see larger version) |
David
E. Lyons, born in 1867, had one vision for his small town of
Crowley, LA, which at the time he was reaching adulthood had
only 4000 citizens. His vision was to bring culture to his beloved
town and he would do so by building the Grand, a 22,000 sq.
ft. second-story opera house. In 1898, at the age of 29, Mr.
Lyons purchased the property for a mere $500 and began building
his magnificent opera house, which he completed two years and
$18,000 later.
|
Crowley,
La. when the Grand was new
|
|
Mr.
Lyons carefully constructed his masterpiece using virgin Louisiana
cypress, pine and oak. This mostly wooden structure was accented
with pressed tin tiles and hand-painted angel medallions in
the four-boxed seats. The steep slope of the floor created perfect
sight lines for the 1000 seats it is said to have held.
|
On
opening night, November 23, 1901, 800 patrons went to see Harry
Ward's Minstrels. The local Daily Signal wrote, "It was
a pleasant surprise to all of them to know that Crowley possesses
such a beautiful little playhouse." Other acts and appearances
throughout the 39 years it remained open included Huey Long,
Clark Gable, the great opera singer Enrico Caruso, Babe Ruth,
and Madame de Vilchez-Bisset of the Paris Opera. In addition
to its use as a vaudeville house, the Grand also served as a
silent movie house.
|
Crowley High School Class of 1921
|
 |
When
Mr. Lyons died in 1940, the opera house was closed and left
nearly untouched and, fortunately, well-preserved. Although
it was hidden from the view of the public for almost 60 years,
it was never forgotten by its former patrons. Now we all await
the time that we, too, can embrace this rich history and bring
it back to life.
|
Grand
Opera House of the South's restoration project is an exciting,
demanding undertaking. Complete restoration and renovation will
cost an estimated $3.2 million. That goal is being reached through
the generous gifts of individuals,
corporations, and foundations. Additional funding will be procured
through fund raising activities, an aggressive capital campaign,
and in-kind donations of goods and services.
|
Renovations underway |
Plans restore theater and ballroom
|
The
State of Louisiana has allotted Grand Opera House of the South
$1.15 million in its Capital Outlay Budget. Former State Rep. Gil Pinac, former State Sen. Fred Hoyt and lobbyist
Charlie Smith were instrumental in securing this funding by
the Louisiana Legislature. |
The
Louisiana Division of the Arts awarded GOHS over $6000
to be used toward an historical analysis of the opera house, which helped in the assessment of the history of the opera house and the role it has played and can continue to play in the local community. |
The stage of the
Grand Opera House
will come alive again |
|
Back to top of page
|
