Lina Nissley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Monticello Opera House is one of the highlights of Jefferson County, and is well known for its cultivation of the arts – it is the opera house that frequently echoes with music and applause as audience members enjoy the magic of theatre.
The “Perkins Block,” which houses the Opera House, was built in 1890 by local businessman John H. Perkins, who was invested in the idea of his theatre becoming one of the most renowned in the South. The original set-up of the building included several stores and a stable behind the building which sold horses, mules and wagons. The second floor of the building was home to the opera house, with the largest stage in the region at the time and near-perfect acoustics.
W.R. Gunn, who was a prominent architect of theaters in the American South, designed the Monticello Opera House. He is the designer of more than 100 theaters in the South, including the Hawkinsville Opera House in Macon, Ga., and the 1892 Merchants Block in Ocala, Fla.
Gunn was proud of his work at the Monticello Opera House and is recorded as stating, “I am the only theatrical architect and practical builder in the U. S. of A. who will guarantee the line of sight and acoustics when the entire control of the auditorium and stage is under my supervision, and will forfeit $1,000 when my construction proves a failure in either case.” Gunn lived up to his word and was able to keep his money.
John H. Perkins’ high hopes of establishing the opera house as a major theatre were nearly dashed. While many successful performances took place from professional touring groups as well as local talent, the re-route of the railroads bypassing Monticello led to financial ruin as the essential business from wealthy patrons were redirected to locations further onward, majorly in South Florida. Due to this loss, Perkins was forced to discontinue live performances. Following a failed attempt to utilize the building as a movie theatre, the auditorium was abandoned and fell to disrepair.
The historic and grand old opera house was not forgotten, however.
In 1972, a small group of dedicated visionaries saved the theatre from the wrecker’s ball. This group formed the Monticello Opera Company with the goal to restore the theatre to its former glory and provide an outlet of expression and joy for aspiring young performers. A fundraiser for the theatre’s restoration was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Phipps and on October 17, 1973, the Monticello Opera House, Inc. purchased the Perkin’s Block building. The purchase was made possible with the help of money raised through fund-raising efforts, a grant from the State of Florida and the generous gift of Mrs. Dorothy Simpson, who held a one-half interest in the building.
Maintenance and restoration efforts on the building continue to this day. Combined efforts of the Florida Department of State and the Division of Historic Resources brought the opera house up to fire code regulations and allowed the use of the balcony seats once again. The replacement of the main level seats was made possible by the Tallahassee Community College President and the seats were installed purely with help from dedicated volunteers of the community. The theatre became accessible to those with disabilities in May of 2004. A donation made in memory of Dr. Gerald M. Cathey allowed for the installation of an elevator.
To this day, the Monticello Opera House fulfills the dream of John H. Perkins’ and provides a source of entertainment and joy, enriching the culture of Jefferson County.
You must be logged in to post a comment.