FROM WHENCE

WE CAME

This brief history is derived from Thomas Arneson’s historic work on the Fairmont Opera House entitled “…And the Curtain Rises,” first printed in 1988. Complete copies of his publication can be acquired by contacting the Fairmont Opera House.

1899-1902

The conception of this historic theater began in 1899 when Frank A. Day, editor of the Fairmont Sentinel, began prodding local businessmen to build an opera house. The concept came to fruition when prominent local businessmen formed the Fairmont Opera House Company in March of 1901 and began construction of this building in1901 for approximately $20,000. From its beginning, the Fairmont Opera House has survived on the generosity of this community. In 1902, the Fairmont Opera House opened to the public, free of debt thanks to the generous support of local businesses. On the opening night, 400 tickets were sold for $5 each to a performance of “The Chaperones” (Quite expensive when you consider that a night at the Bulland House Hotel just down the street only charged $2 a day).

Early 1900s

In actuality, opera has been performed very rarely at the Fairmont Opera House. The use of the word “opera” in the name was, in the early 1900s, more politically correct than a theater or variety hall, which were deemed morally corrupt. During this part of our American heritage, opera was a product of high civilization and a respectable form of entertainment. Thus, the name preserved the moral standing of this theatrical house, even though the entertainment inside these walls was the same as in any variety hall or theater of the age. It is for the preservation of our history that the present name of this theater is the Fairmont Opera House.

1902-1925

From 1902 to 1912, this building was the only Fairmont Opera House. Its massive horseshoe balcony, curving from stage edge to stage edge, its decorative walls, and its tinted electric lighting were a source of community pride. In these pre-movie and television days, the Fairmont Opera House frequently presented professional plays and musicals by visiting repertory groups, traveling road shows, along with home-produced talent productions, school commencements, and political speeches.

For five cents in 1912, our community could see a silent movie on the big screen at the plush Haynic. A five- piece “Haynic Orchestra” played at every movie, every night but Sundays. In conjunction with silent movies, live shows continued on our stage throughout the 1920s. However, by 1925, the novelty of silent movies had faded, and Hay and Nicholas returned to the Fairmont Opera Houses’ roots, introducing more live performances. These live performances came to town through repertory companies, which played one-week engagements with different plays every night.

In 1912, the Fairmont Opera House adopted a different formal name, the Haynic Theater, derived from the combination of the names of its managers, Lincoln Nicholas and William Hay. During this era of American history, the motion picture was rapidly growing as the newest form of entertainment.

1927-1929

By 1927, Mr. Hay was no longer a part of the center stage of this theater. Only Nicholas remained. Under Nicholas’ leadership, the name was changed to the Nicholas Theater, and substantial remodeling was undertaken to match the flashy era. The four dramatic pillars standing in front of the theater were removed and replaced by a blazing canopy entitled “Nicholas”; the front windows were bricked over to permit the new ventilation system to work properly; a new 1,000 pipe organ was installed; and the weight of a newly remodeled balcony was balanced against the new canopy, both resting on a single 60 foot, 36,000 pound steel beam passing through the front wall of the theater.

This 36,000-pound beam, which took 4 days to roll from the railroad depot to the Fairmont Opera House, still holds the balcony today. Soon after these dramatic changes were completed, “talkies” arrived on the national level, and movies were all the rage again. The Nicholas Theatre, not to be left behind a trend, installed Vita Phone and movie tour theater equipment for $12,000. On July 4, 1929, the first “talkie” in Fairmont opened, and the theater was filled continuously for 11 hours. Movies were suddenly back in style at the Fairmont Opera House.

1950s

After the war and through the 1950s, our theater bristled with activity. The main draw for patrons through the doors of the Nicholas was the big-budget movies Hollywood was producing. The movie business was so good that lines for tickets were often a block long. But by the end of the 1950’s, as the Fairmont Opera House aged and newer movie houses were built in Fairmont, business declined. As business declined, the building declined further into disrepair. The slow decline continued until September of 1980, when the doors were finally chained shut.

1980s

Just when this historic building was on its last leg in 1980, conscientious members of our community took action to preserve this irreplaceable part of Fairmont’s history, led by Dr. Robert and Mary Arneson. In 1980, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and by late 1980, it was purchased by the Fairmont Opera House Inc. for $51,000. On May 13, 1981, the Fairmont Opera House opened its doors once again with “Another Opening, Another Show”.

Extensive efforts were made to refurbish and recondition the Fairmont Opera House to its current state. Donations were made by members of our community to renovate the downstairs basement, all the seats, the electrical and plumbing, and just about every other aspect of this theater. As of July 30, 1988, 1,602 people volunteered 26,000 hours to the Fairmont Opera House.

1990’s-2023

Before its closure for capital repairs in late 2023, the Fairmont Opera House proudly presented season after season of successful live performances. The historic theater was home to local and professional plays, live music, and arts performances, community events, and private receptions and gatherings.

It was with great pride that so many volunteers dedicated their time, resources, and energy to bringing a wide variety of artistic and community experiences to Fairmont and the surrounding region. Guests were invited not only to enjoy each performance but also to take in the rich historical atmosphere and reflect on the legacy that has shaped the Fairmont Opera House into what it is today.

Today

The Fairmont Opera House’s “Preserve the Legacy, Enrich the Future” capital campaign has continued to build strong momentum since 2023, with generous donors, community partners, and volunteers rallying to support the restoration of this historic landmark. Critical repairs have been prioritized to stabilize and preserve the building, ensuring its long-term future as a cornerstone of arts and culture in the region.

Thanks to this incredible support, the Fairmont Opera House has moved closer to reopening its doors and once again welcoming audiences for performances, events, and community gatherings. This campaign has reflected the community’s great pride and shared commitment to protecting its history while creating new opportunities for generations to come.