The Grand Opera House

In this episode we explore the rise and eventual decline of Collingwood’s Grand Opera House, a vibrant venue that welcomed international stars to local talent alike, hosting everything from plays and musicals to public meetings and community fundraisers.

Following the story we invite our listeners to join us in celebrating Archive Awareness Week, and call for your assistance in a very special opportunity connected to it. We also invite everyone to come to the museum and take in our newest Community Collectors Exhibit “Hidden for A Century: Inside Collingwood Collegiate’s Time Capsule.” You won't want to miss this one!

Episode Picture:

An interior view of the Grand Opera House. Date unknown. [Collingwood Museum Collection, X969.636.2]Research:

The Bulletin, June 29 1890

Cowley, Christine. Butchers, Bakers, & Building the Lakers. p.16.

Arp, Barbara. Reflections. p 110.

Collingwood Public Library Local History Files

Collingwood Bulletin May 31, 1917.

Enterprise Bulletin May 1, 1947.

Links:

"A Day of Tall Work and Many Tears" Season 1, Episode 10 https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/cwoodstories/episodes/A-Day-of-Tall-Work-and-Many-Tears-e18694q

"Preserving the Past and Ensuring the Future" Season 5, Episode 7 https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/cwoodstories/episodes/Preserving-the-Past-and-Ensuring-the-Future-The-Birnie-Sisters-e3fgf18

"The Kiltie Band" Season 2, Episode 8 https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/cwoodstories/episodes/The-Kiltie-Band-e21c3f4

"Letters to Mother" Season 3, Episode 3 https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/cwoodstories/episodes/Letters-To-Mother-e2bajjv

"A School on the Move" Season 5, Episode 4 https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/cwoodstories/episodes/A-School-on-the-Move-The-Story-of-Collingwood-Collegiate-Institute-e3bfckr

"Eddie Bush" Season 4, Episode 5 https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/cwoodstories/episodes/Eddie-Bush-e2t0dsm