Copyright © 2020 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
In 1916, Thomas G. Moses wrote, “I did a drop curtain for Rome, Georgia, and several exteriors.”
On February 8, 1916, the “Atlanta Constitution” reported, “ROME OPERA HOUSE BEING REMODELED.
“Rome, Ga. February 7 – (Special)- The Rome Opera House, which is currently owned by the McClure Ten-Cent company of Atlanta, is being remodeled, and will be opened under the management of H. P. Diggs, a well-known theatrical man, formerly associated with local moving pictures” (page 9).
Unfortunately, the business venture did not succeed. By November 25, 1916, the “Atlanta Constitution” reported,
“Neglected Bank Roll in Attempt to Start Vaudeville in Rome.
“Rome, Ga., November 24. – (Special) – Ross Conkling, an Atlanta theatrical man, who endeavored to open the Rome Opera House as a vaudeville and motion picture theater here, neglected one important detail necessary to such operation, to-wit, a bank roll. He was given credit by actors, film operators, stagehands, print shops, newspapers, and the like, but the box receipts on the opening night were attached by Mrs. Amanda Gray, one of the vaudeville actors, who declares that he is without funds. An orchestra of seven pieces and five members of a vaudeville company are stranded here” (page 4).
Rome Opera House was later renamed the Nevin Opera House. Located at 321 Broad Street, the original structure was built by M. A. Nevin at a cost of $21,000, opening on October 1, 1888. With a seating capacity of 800-1,000, it hosted a variety of performances until 1915. “Julius Cahn’s Official Theatrical Guide” provides a little more information about the technical specifications in 1908. The proscenium measured 26 feet wide, but no height was provided. However, the stage to the gridiron was 55 feet, suggesting full travel for the drops. The stage to the fly gallery was 25 feet and the distance from the curtain line to back wall was 32 feet.
The building was destroyed by fire in December 31, 1919.
To be continued…
