Opera House

104-106 W. Walnut Street,
Rogers, AR 72756

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Additional Info

Previous Names: Rogers New Opera House

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Opera House

This theater was constructed sometime before 1896. Judging by the architecture, it was likely built shortly after the town was founded in 1881. It was located on the second floor of a very tall two story brick building. The layout of the windows on the facade suggests three stories, but the upper windows likely let light into a lobby behind the balcony.

This theater remained in operation at least through 1914. By that time, movies were also being shown. The capacity is taken from the 1905 Cahn guide, which calls it the ‘Rogers New Opera House’. This must have been the same building, despite not being ‘new’.

Sometime in the postwar period, this building was given a brutal makeover, and the entire facade became a windowless expanse of plaster. Happily, by 2016, this had all been stripped away, and the building (as well as the old bank on the corner) was gutted and restored to something like its historic appearance. The present use is unknown.

Contributed by Seth Gaines

Recent comments (view all 1 comments)

SethG
SethG on September 6, 2024 at 5:47 pm

This may have been damaged by a tornado in May of ‘24. If anyone can confirm the building is still standing, it would be appreciated.

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