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A glimpse of the past……..

Historical Society member and Bowersville resident Jane Hollingsworth has spent countless hours researching old newspapers for Opera House history – both the building and events that occurred there. Jane is happy to share her findings with the community.

Vote on Township House –Yes March 25, 1889

Our Town Hall is now a certainty and will probably be located on the James Glass Corner. April 10, 1889 Xenia Daily Gazette and Torchlight

The Contract for building the township house was let last Tuesday afternoon to Matthew Moorman & Sons for $11,454. June 3, 1889 Jamestown Tribune

On June 13, 1889 , by General Warranty Deed, James H. and Susan Glass sold to Silvercreek Twp. and Jamestown Village , Lot #12 for $1,600. Lot #12 is located at the intersection of Limestone and Xenia Streets. Recorded 24 June 1889 Greene County Deed Book 75, Pages 528-9.

Work has begun on the new Opera House June 1889

Contractor Moorman is pushing the work on the new opera house with energy. The bricklayers are sending the building up rapidly, August 11, 1889

The people of Jamestown will open and dedicate their new town and township house (Opera House) on the nights of Dec. 31 st , Jan. 1 st and 2 nd . The company they have engaged is the Blanche Slader Comedy Company which is highly recommended. The opening of the hall is quite an important affair and the Jamestown people will see that it is done right. December 28, 1889

The new Opera House at Jamestown will be opened this evening, Dec. 31 st by the Blanche Slader Company. The Opera House is one of the prettiest in the county. A number of young people from this city will go up and attend the opening. December 31, 1889 , Xenia Daily Gazette and Torchlight.

JAMESTOWN AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

State and Federal grants are on the way to upgrade the electrical system and install new heating and cooling systems in the Opera House. Project Administrator Hank Caudill has plans ready to go as soon as the funds are released which should be early spring. Greene County Commissioners approved a grant to install the reconditioned original front doors which will make the front of the Opera House look as it did when the building was constructed in 1889. During this process we hope to purchase new front windows that will replace those beside the entry doors.

The Greene County Historical Society presented us with a beautiful Williamsburg solid brass chandelier they obtained from the old Xenia Home Federal Building . The chandelier is seven feet in diameter and contains 29 lights. New flooring in the downstairs was installed by inmates in the Greene County work release program. We thank Sheriff Gene Fischer for providing this service.

Phil Dirt and the Dozers will present a benefit for the Opera House on October 6 in the Greeneview High School Auditeria. Plans which will be announced later are being made for Garage Sales, Horse & Buggy Days and other Fund Raisers.

We thank Lee Carroll and “Tubby” Patterson for volunteering their services to do any transporting involved with Opera House projects. This type of community support is needed and much appreciated.

We wish to remind everyone of our Spring Membership drive. Dues are as follows: $10.00 for a one year individual; $50.00 for a one year business; $5.00 for a one year individual student (grades 1-12); $100.00 for a lifetime individual; $50.00 per name for a memorial. All donations (not membership dues) are tax deductible. We meet the second Thursday of every month in the Opera House at 7:00 pm. For more information, please call 675-3501 or 675-5751.