Opera House/Dickey Theater
Feb 06, 03:32 PM
This 1898 building was once the site of Bates’ Opera House. The lobby had an impressive 30-foot ceiling. Over time, movies became more popular than opera, and by the 1940s this building became the Dickey Movie Theatre. The original coal burning furnace is still in the back of the building along with the coal slot. Tickets cost either ten cents or twenty cents back in the 40s. All service men were admitted free any time.
Later the building was converted into retail space and the sloping ceiling and floors were made level. Sections of the original stage floor and backstage areas are still visible in the rear sections of the building.
Sources: Firsthand account from owners along with newspaper clipping dated Sep. 2 1943.
Later the building was converted into retail space and the sloping ceiling and floors were made level. Sections of the original stage floor and backstage areas are still visible in the rear sections of the building.
Sources: Firsthand account from owners along with newspaper clipping dated Sep. 2 1943.