History
The village opera house, a phenomenon once widespread throughout the rural northeast, was once a significant part of the cultural and social growth of the locale around Earlville, NY in the 1890's. The Earlville Opera House at was one of at least six other opera houses in villages adjacent to Earlville. What is most exceptional about the Earlville Opera House is the fact that it still exists intact - nearly the same as it was when built in the 1890's. It stands as an example of a building type that is now nearly extinct and one that has been ignored by architectural and cultural historians. Physically, the opera house buildings were usually major constructions in the center of town with a first floor of shops, and a grand two story theatre above. The most exciting part of these buildings architecturally may be the theater area, which, as in the Earlville Opera House, was ornately decorated, displaying a sense of grandeur and gaiety rarely seen in rural villages.
Specialties
We specialize in bringing the very best in the visual and performing arts to central New York. We are building community through the arts.