Newspaper Clipping

Kingfisher Opera House: The Pappe Building - about 1905

The Kingfisher Free Press 60th Anniversary Edition , April 18, 1949

The "Pappe Building" at 202 and 204 N. Main Street (northwest corner of Main Street and Miles Avenue) in Kingfisher was originally built as an Opera House in 1900 to replace the original one that had burned down. Richard Pappe purchased the property in October 1902. The building still exits and is occupied and is still known as "The Pappe Building." The adjacent building at 208 N Main is called the "R Pappe Building."


Opera House Early-Day Entertainment Center

George Spindel, (now deceased) is shown at left getting a shoe shine, at the turn of the century, while C. R. Steele awaits his turn. The building Is the opera house which was located at the present site of the ]Pappe building, corner of Miles avenue and Main street.

The picture is owned by Steele, who was an usher, in the opera house at that time. The posters are advertising "A Merry Chase," the comIng attraction. The original opera house, located where Kingfisher Oil Co. now stands, burned in the summer of 1900, and the other one was built soon afterwards. C. P. Wickmiller was ticket agent and manager for several yews. A store occupied the first floor of the building.

The opera house was the scene of lyceums, stock shows, highschool graduation ceremonies, highschool and college plays and musical events, etc. Sousa's band and Sir Harry Lauder were among the important attractions through the years at the opera house. Shakespearian plays, and grand opera companies from the east also appeared there.

Photo: Signs at the top of the Pappe Building and R. Pappe
buildings in Kingfisher - 2002

 

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