The Earlville Opera House is celebrating its 50th Anniversary from 12 to 4 p.m on Saturday, September 24. (ES file photo)

EARLVILLE – Earlville Opera House (EOH) is celebrating its 50th  Anniversary as a non-profit multi-arts center with an Open House Reunion on Saturday, September 24.  

We invite you to join us from 12-4 p.m. to hail 50 years of enriching the Central New York community through the visual and performing arts while preserving our National Landmark building for future cultural use. This event is free and open to the public.

EOH is housed in a restored, historic, late-19th-century structure on Main Street in the quaint Village of Earlville, NY and exhibits the work of local, regional and national artists; stages performances ranging from regional musicians and community theatre to nationally and internationally renowned musicians;  offers arts education classes for all populations; and provides cultural grants to artists and organizations in Broome, Chenango and Otsego counties.

 

While always serving as a focal point for community activities and the arts beginning in 1892, EOH evolved through the decades by providing vaudeville acts, three-penny operas, and travelling medicine shows, followed by silent movies and then “talkies”. In the 1950's, with the realities of cars, drive-ins, and television, the small second story theater was forced out of competition, locking the doors in 1952, seemingly for good. 

In 1971 the building was threatened by demolition but purchased by artist activist and known ‘prankster” Joey Skaggs. Joey had a vision for the building with the expressed purpose of restoring, preserving, and continuing its cultural function in perpetuity and therefore generously donated the building to a group of motivated local volunteers. In 1972, Earlville Opera House, Inc., assembled a volunteer board of directors and began restorative work immediately. In 1974, EOH was named to the National   Register of Historic Places, and in 1976, the Opera House saw its first live performance in more than fifty years.

Since this time, EOH has operated as a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organization with a dual mission: “To enrich the Central New York community through the visual and performing arts while preserving its historic building for future generations.” We are proud of our longevity in offering cultural programs and services in our rural area, making EOH a highly acclaimed destination place for music and arts. The vision, determination and leadership of the Earlville Opera House through three different centuries, particularly during the 50 years since its rebirth as a multi-arts center, shows dedication by many to fostering this “Grande Dame of Central New York” through presentation of the highest quality artistic programming. This remains a reflection of the original artistic vision of Joey Skaggs.

The Open House Reunion begins at noon where the public can enjoy cake, punch and the favorite ice cream flavor of 1972, mint chocolate chip. There will be a "Story Area" to share your past EOH memories, our 50th Retrospective Gallery Exhibits are on display and attendees can view archival scrapbooks and historical documents. We’ll have 50th merchandise on sale to support the mission, and a special membership deal. Our Artisan Gift Shop will be open and piano music will be played by EOH past performer and President of Norfolk School of Music in Boston, Philip “Dutch” Hoke.

At 1pm, a presentation will take place in the 1892 theater including words from EOH building savior Joey Skaggs, the New York State Council on the Arts and EOH representatives; an unveiling of a Proclamation from  the Chenango County Board of Supervisors; and a  time capsule event. Come celebrate the past with us while looking into the future.

Earlville Opera House  is located at 18 East Main Street in the charming Village of Earlville, NY and is handicap accessible. Vaccine proof is required at door, masks optional. Please check our website for the latest updates and for further information on our programs and services, and like us on Facebook.

Events are made possible, in part, with public funds from New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor of New York and the New York State Legislature, and through the generosity of EOH members.

– From the EOH