This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Greene's Opera House opening and grand design in Cedar Rapids
The Cedar Rapids project led by Judge George Greene began in 1879 to replace the Union Opera House with a four story brick venue on Second Street. Opened December 27, 1880, for The Bohemian Girl with nearly 2000 patrons, the theater featured 1600 seats on upper floors, gas lighting, a sun burner with 92 jets, and extensive fire safety.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
George Greene
Cedar Rapids
Iowa
Iowa Supreme Court
Union Opera House
Greene
Union
Woodward Hall
Calvin
Greene’s Opera House
Emma Abbott Grand English Opera Company
Calvin Greene
Opera House
Chicago
Second Street
First and
A Avenues
Dalzell’s Restaurant
Henderson and Smith Company