CENTRAL CITY OPERA HOUSE
Eureka St.
National Register 1/18/1973, 5GL.8
Opened in March of 1878, the two-story Renaissance Revival style stone building is the oldest surviving and first permanent opera house in Colorado. It was built with funds raised by a citizens’ group interested in bringing cultural opportunities to the area, the Gilpin County Opera House Association. Between 1910 and 1927, the building functioned as a motion picture theater. Donated to the University of Denver in 1931, the building was restored by the Central City Opera House Association to serve as a venue for an ongoing summer opera program.
www.coloradohistory-oahp.org/programareas/register/1503/cty/gl.htm
The Central City Opera House spreads a famous tale of Billy Hamilton, an Irish doorman and caretaker who lived there in the 1930's and sometimes is credited with pranks and other strange doings in the building.
"I knew Billy Hamilton and I'm sure he is here," Spellman said. "Some guys behind the bar say they've seen Billy. Well, if they say they've seen him, who am I to say they didn't?"
Among the remaining troupes of the Opera House was a miner turned stage performer by the name of Mike Dougherty, who was a favorite in 1865. Unfortunately, like many residents of this rough and tumble frontier town, Dougherty drank himself to death. Apparently, Mike's love of the stage has caused him to linger.
Over the years, numerous back-stage visitors have reported being nearly overwhelmed with the strong (but fleeting) odor of alcohol, which is sometimes accompanied by a stout nudge on the shoulder, or by their hair being lightly ruffled from behind.
While Dougherty seems to be a friendly ghost, the living are always considerably startled when they turn to look and realize that they are alone in the darkened corridor. Other reported occurrences have included strange flickering orbs of light that seem to float across a darkened stage and then vanish into the wings.
The distinct sound of footsteps is also heard in the balcony, thought to be those of a long departed female patron, Occasional cold spots have been felt which move from one corner to the next backstage. Nearly all of these occurrences have been reported when the
theater is dark and not in use for performances.
SOURCE: www.legendsofamerica.com
Among the remaining troupes of the Opera House was a miner turned stage performer by the name of Mike Dougherty, who was a favorite in 1865. Unfortunately, like many residents of this rough and tumble frontier town, Dougherty drank himself to death. Apparently, Mike's love of the stage has caused him to linger.
Over the years, numerous back-stage visitors have reported being nearly overwhelmed with the strong (but fleeting) odor of alcohol, which is sometimes accompanied by a stout nudge on the shoulder, or by their hair being lightly ruffled from behind.
While Dougherty seems to be a friendly ghost, the living are always considerably startled when they turn to look and realize that they are alone in the darkened corridor. Other reported occurrences have included strange flickering orbs of light that seem to float across a darkened stage and then vanish into the wings.
The distinct sound of footsteps is also heard in the balcony, thought to be those of a long departed female patron, Occasional cold spots have been felt which move from one corner to the next backstage. Nearly all of these occurrences have been reported when the
theater is dark and not in use for performances.
SOURCE: www.legendsofamerica.com
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