Burnham's (later Brown's) Opera House, was located at the corner of Park & Commercial (1877-1906)

Founded by: Edgar W. Burnham.

Opened: November 25, 1877

Located: Southwest corner of Park and Commercial streets.

Description: The main hall was 100 x 60 feet, with an elevation of 40 feet. The main entrance was on Commercial street through sliding doors 12 feet wide. The stage, which measured 60 x 28 feet, with a stage opening of 26 x 28 feet, was one of the largest in Iowa at the time. The hall itself was "brilliantly lighted" and "beautifully frescoed."

The first story of the building also contained the city library room, an office and ticket box, and a stairway leading to the second story. The second story was divided into living and recitation rooms, and the third contained the main hall for class practice and recitations.

Changes in ownership/management: Charles F. Brown took over the establishment, and thereafter it was known as "Brown's Opera House."

What happened to it: Edgar and Gertrude Burnham sold the Opera House in 1885 to L.C. Goodwin of Marshalltown for $4,500. The Burnhams left Waterloo for Chicago soon thereafter.

Goodwin made some improvements to spruce up the house. "The main entrance has been newly painted, the seats painted and the aisles carpeted with brussels. There has also been a new sidewalk but down in front of the house." Goodwin also added a "new furnace in the opera house and will be able to keep the building warm during the winter, so that no one need stay away from the entertainments for fear of being cold."

In November of 1887, Goodwin leased the house to Charles F. Brown, who had been managing the opera house in Cedar Falls as well.

On October 7, 1906, The Klinefelter livery barn on West Park caught fire, which quickly spread to the Opera House next door. The livery and the theater were a total loss. The cause of the fire was never determined.

At the time of the fire, Brown's was a 70 x 140 foot building of brick veneer, having been recently remodeled and enlarged.

Compiled by Teresa Dahlgren