Plays, Opera, Fables and Frolic

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Plays, Opera, Fables and Frolic

Nappanee, Indiana 46550, United States

Created By: Nappanee Public Library

Tour Information

We are going to take a look at the entertainment in Nappanee in the late 1800s and early 1900s. We will learn about the Fairy Theater, The Auditorium, the Community Building, and all of the different halls that were at the center of Nappanee’s entertainment. While many are gone, you will find out that the one still around today still fits its description when it opened in 1926. Entertainment sure has changed from what it once was.


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What You'll See on the Tour

John Keller was a man of innovation. You can learn more about him by taking our Innovation in Nappanee walking tour.  John Keller moved to Van Wert, Ohio from Columbiana County, Ohio in 1885 and learned his as a finished photographer. He... Read more
In 1921, the Jefferson Reality Company of Goshen purchased a  lot on South Main Street, two lots south of the Hartman Brothers. Oscar Hanson, who was the owner of the Jefferson Theater in Goshen, planned to erect a modern theater for Nappa... Read more
In 1895, the Nappanee News published an article asking "Why not have an opera house?" The newspaper took that question to the street and asked many businessmen their opinions. In 1898, the news discussed how they had been asking for a town ... Read more
Nappanee's first nickelodeon or pioneer movies houses opened sometime before 1909. There is nothing further known about it.  The first recorded movie house, The Theatorium, opened on West Market Street on March 6, 1909, with 3,000 feet of ... Read more
Hartman Hall was known as Stahly Hall also. It opened in December of 1881 as Stahly Hall. The Hall was along the west wall of the Hartman Brothers building in the upstairs, and there were offices in the front towards the street.  The Hall ... Read more
The Community Building opened in June of 1933. It was the largest gym in Elkhart County before North Side Gym in Elkhart was built. When the Community Building opened, it was dedicated to the citizens of Nappanee. There was an injunction fi... Read more
Coppes Hall was located upstairs at the Coppes Hotel. Coppes Hall had no stage but it served as the town's entertainment center for 7 years.  The Hoosier Nightingales and the Scotch Medicine Company performed there as well as Bennett Matla... Read more

 

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