Have you heard of The Nevin Opera House and Opera Alley in Downtown Rome, Georgia? The Nevin Opera House once stood proud in the heart of the community and is now only a legacy while the Opera Alley is a popular spot for photos, and it is on Broad Street. Every year hundreds of people use this spot to take senior, prom, homecoming, and many more photos. This is a narrow alley on Broad Street, that can be easily missed if you aren’t looking for it, has a deep history in Rome, Georgia.
The Nevin Opera House was a historic theater located in Rome, Georgia. It was built in 1880 and was destroyed by fire in 1919. The opera house was a popular venue for entertainment. It was home to many famous performers, including Sarah Bernhardt and Enrico Caruso. The fire that destroyed the opera house was a significant event for Rome and is still remembered today.
The Nevin Opera House
The Nevin Opera House was built by M.A. Nevin, a wealthy businessman from Rome. Nevin was a passionate advocate for the arts and believed a theater would be a valuable addition to the city. The opera house was designed by architect Charles E. Merritt and was built in the Italianate style. It was a large, three-story building with a red brick exterior and a white marble portico. The interior was decorated with lavish furnishings and artwork.
The Nevin Opera House opened its doors in September 1880. It was an immediate success and quickly became a popular venue for entertainment. The opera house hosted a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, operas, and concerts. It also hosted many famous performers, including Sarah Bernhardt and Enrico Caruso.
The Nevin Opera House was a significant asset to the city of Rome. It was a place where people could come together to enjoy the arts. It was also a source of pride for the city. The fire that destroyed the opera house in 1919 was a significant loss for Rome.
The Fire
The fire that destroyed the Nevin Opera House started in the early morning hours of December 31, 1919. The cause of the fire is unknown, but it is believed to have started in the basement of the opera house. The fire quickly spread to the upper floors of the building and was soon out of control. The fire department could not save the opera house, which was destroyed.
The Legacy
The fire that destroyed the Nevin Opera House was tragic for Rome. The opera house was a popular entertainment venue and home to many famous performers. It was also a source of pride for the city. The fire is still remembered today and reminds us of the loss of a beloved landmark.
In the years since the fire, there have been several attempts to rebuild the Nevin Opera House. However, these attempts have yet to be successful. The site of the opera house is now a parking lot. The loss of the Nevin Opera House is a reminder of the fragility of our cultural heritage. It is important to remember and preserve the history of our cities and towns so that future generations can also enjoy them.
Opera Alley
Opera Alley is a narrow alley located on Broad Street in downtown Rome. It is a popular spot for photos and is a reminder of the history of the Nevin Opera House. The alley was once used by performers and stagehands to enter and leave the opera house. It is now a popular spot for people to take photos and to remember the history of the opera house.
Visit Opera Alley
If you are visiting Rome, Georgia, be sure to visit Opera Alley. It is a short walk from the city center and is a great place to take photos and learn about the history of the Nevin Opera House.
Read our post on the Historical Tour Of Broad Street for more historical markers in Rome, Georgia. Broad Street is one of the most popular places people go “When In Rome, Georgia.” It has the best collection of food, shopping, and entertainment venues in and around Rome. You may not know how a Broad Street tour reveals our rich local history. If you start at one end of Broad Street and stroll to the other end, you will find some fantastic stories and the history of our town.
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