C.L. Hoover Opera House

The C.L. Hoover Opera House is a live-performance venue at 135 W 7th St in Junction City, Kansas. Its official website states that since 1882 the Hoover has been more than a stage — a gathering place, a learning space, and a community landmark — hosting live music, youth theater, private events, cultural programs, and community partnerships. The venue offers membership through The Hoover Circle and is associated with Junction City Little Theater.

According to the venue's official history page, local citizens who sought to bring cultural events rarely encountered in the Midwest led the citizens of Junction City to vote in 1880 to spend $12,000 for the construction of a public hall. By 1882, construction was complete, built upon a foundation of native Geary County limestone. The facades of all four elevations of the original building were in the Romanesque Style, made of red brick that now remains on only the front third of the building. The front portion of the original structure housed the fire department, police department, jail, and city council room on the second floor; the basement contained horse stalls for the horses used to pull fire wagons; and a clock tower with a bell on the roof served as the city fire alarm. The back portion was used as an Opera House. The original theater included an orchestra level, a balcony, a gallery, and three levels of box seating for a total capacity of over 1000 seats, though only 600 were installed due to funding constraints. Lighting came from gas chandeliers. The original stage was 20 ft deep by 62 ft wide and had a proscenium opening of 36 square feet. The front curtain was flown in the fly galley, which was unusual at the time, since most opera houses then were still employing the roller system. In 1890, the building underwent interior remodeling and was renamed the Blakely Opera House; the seats were raised to an angle to improve visibility, and electric lights were installed. In 1898, a catastrophic fire occurred, and the interior of the building was a complete loss, with only the front exterior wall remaining.

A community landmark and gathering place for the arts in Junction City, Kansas.

1. 1C.L. Hoover Opera House | Live Performances in Junction City | Book Nowjcoperahouse.org
2. 2INFORMATION | operahousejcoperahouse.org