Our Past Is Present December 4, 2018

December 4, 2018

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society. Today’s program is a continuation of “Memories of Good Old Days At The Opera House” taken from an article in the “Junction City Union” newspaper in January of 1932. 

            The building had been repaired following the fire in 1898 and was being reopened on October 14, 1898.  One mother was asked by her child: “Were the people very much excited over it?” (Meaning the reopening of the Opera House) “My dear, I’ll have you know that was a great occasion in this old town.  Everyone got out their newest duds and all the families went to their buggies,” she answered.  “And what is more”, she went on, “that Opera House was known as the finest house between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River. It was the best show house between Kansas City and Denver.” 

            Yet another question was asked of the mother by the child: “Did we go often?” “I should say we did” the mother replied.  “We went to many, many shows.  Those certainly were the good old days.  Every lover took his lassie and a box of chocolates – never forgot the chocolates – and settled down in the soft seats for an enjoyable evening.”  Dad piped up with a reminder: “And don’t forget, I paid $1.00 a seat.”

            Well, as many of us know the seats are still comfortable and the shows are GREAT!!! It may cost more than a dollar, but the cost is minimal to the awesome entertainment.  And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.