THE WAUPACA REPUBLICAN

December 9, 1892

 

An Opera House

 

            Waupaca has ever been progressive in general business enterprises, but there is a deficiency in many things and a general shaking up is no doubt needed to awaken our people in the direction of what we should have to stimulate our growth in intellectual as well as business welfare.  The old skating rink has served a poor apology for an Opera house it was the best we had consequently there was no very loud kicking.  Two or three years ago the Curlers obtained a controlling interest in the Opera house stock and flooded the floor for their winter’s sort.  It was fun for the Curlers but the people had no place to hold entertainments that was serviceable.  Then a spasmodic effort was made for an Opera house but relapsed as soon as the rink was open again to the public.  The mild winter last season left the “opera house” open for entertainment uses.  This winter the Curlers see in the distance, blasts from Manitoba in sight and they are anxious to get the rink in shape for many exciting “bon spiels”.  The Waupaca Dramatic Club, the High School Lecture course, and all other general entertainments and public parties are stranded in consequence.  Also the approaching Farmers Institute will have to seek the Court House which is only about half large enough.  It is said the Curlers in deference to the pressure of public sentiment have concluded to ask the city for the privilege of using a portion of Sessions street on the east side of the river for a place to erect a covered curling rink.  If they get that, that will leave the opera house rink for pubic gatherings as usual.

            What we want to say is this:  Are there not men of means, and enterprise enough in this city who will take stock in the erection of a respectable and modern Opera House?  There is no doubt but a good Opera House would pay.  It would attract the best troupes and lectures this way.  Our own home concerts, dramatic entertainments, and church festivals are always well patronized.  A modern opera house would stimulate more attendance from the surrounding villages and rural districts.  This great potato belt is bringing in wealth to the farmers, and the farmers’ sons and daughters begin to think they must enjoy some of the good things of this world.  They have the finest of horses and carriages.  The are able and anxious to drive to the city often.  First class entertainments will captivate them as well as the city folk.  Let an opera house be erected and we will warrant its success.  Let the matter be agitated and talked up among our businessmen.  A good opera house has its refining and educating influence on a community in the same degree that a good church or school house has.  It is indispensable to any town that pretends to be alive and enterprising. Let us have an opera house.  Perhaps it may be the forerunner of still greater things for our progressive city.