History

1907 SHIRLEY OPERA HOUSE
HISTORY AND PRESENT DAY EVENTS
LISTED ON THE KANSAS STATE HISTORIC REGISTER AUGUST 26, 2006

The Shirley Opera House, erected in 1907 at 503 Main Street, Atwood, Rawlins County, KS was the creation of an influential area pioneer. In 1881, when the township had reached a population adequate to support an election, William R. Shirley, a citizen of the county since 1879, was elected township trustee. He became the county clerk and later served as sheriff and probate judge. Mr. Shirley played an important role in the business and politics of Atwood. It was said of him by the Topeka State Journal, “ He ( Mr. Shirley) and Cy Anderson are said to have been the balance wheel and mainspring in the Rawlins County machine.”

In The Republican Citizen, June 30, 1905, mention is made of a newly begun brick-yard. Judge Shirley was a senior member of the company, helping to provide local builders “good brick at a minimum price”. This same brick is still supporting the Shirley Opera House 100 years later.

Built when Atwood was 25 years old and home to 800 citizens, the building represents a historically important period for the refinement of places for entertainment in newly developing communities during the late 1800's / early 1900's. The Commercial Block style combines an elegant public face with and upstairs designed as a community gathering place, while the main floor supported many types of businesses. While the architect for the building has not been identified, a board removed from one of the upstairs windows identifies the name “C.R. Buzbee, Colorado Springs, CO".

MAIN FLOOR HISTORY

“The Cash Grocery” operated by Mr. Shirley, was the first commercial enterprise. It was related that Mr. Shirley would stay open until he had sold one dollar’s worth of candy and then close the store for the day. A variety of candies were displayed in glass jars and a sack of sweets could be purchased for a penny.

Other businesses to call the building home were a printing office, a dental office, the Moss Grocery, the Owl Café, a saloon, an abstract office operated by Gertie Cox McIntosh and a meat locker run by Charlie Bird in the 1940's and Arlie Hafer until 1975.

For a short time, the building was owned by a Coloradan, but was soon purchased by Fred Downing, a local antique dealer who opened Horse trader’s Antiques in 1976.

In 1980, Darrel and Deanie Weber purchased the building at public auction and opened Homesteaders, an import and spice store. They are credited with extensive renovation of the structure; perhaps saving it from ruin.

Don Beamgard, an Atwood native who played a role equally significant to W.R. Shirley’s in this community, became the new owner. His son Dick received ownership, adding central air conditioning to the main floor. “This Old House” and “The Mustard Seed” were two businesses run during the period from 1997 to 2002.

July 4th, 2003 was opening night for the Aberdeen Steakhouse, a family run restaurant owned and operated by Jeff and Alice Hill and their daughters, Grace Hill Kastens and Margaret Hill Eller and their spouses. Strong ties to the establishment of Atwood are evident in the 1900's family photographs that create an authentic atmosphere.

UPSTAIRS HISTORY

It is important to know that although many buildings of this type built in the late 1800's were called “Opera” houses, it was not typical for true opera to be staged within. The title gave respectability for a gathering place that could welcome women and children, in contrast to the saloon image of other places of entertainment.

January 10, 1907 edition of The Republican Citizen states, “ The Shirley Opera House, which he (Judge Shirley) is now building in Atwood, will be a lasting monument to his memory in Rawlins County.” It became the focal pont for a community starved for culture. Lyda Munger is quoted in Ruth Kelley Hayden’s book, The Time That Was as saying, “We were even glad to go to a funeral and when Shirley’s Opera House opened, I remember we walked through snow up to our knees theree nights in a row to watch a stock company that was traveling through.”

The first notice of a performance in the newly constructed building is advertised April 25, 1907: “COMING - A Prince of Liars, at Shirley’s Opera House, Friday, May 10th, produced by Atwood home talent, directed by Miss Beulah Monroe.”

Local talent drew citizens hungry for entertainment. The Atwood Orchestra played for dances and the Woodmen held their First Annual Grand Ball there.

Traveling performances were soon on the agenda.: “FOUR NIGHTS in ATWOOD” the Ruth Craven Company brought drama to the upstairs stage. The Ted North Players and the Hillman Stock Company were other featured performers.

Public meetings were also held upstairs. Political rallies and wrestling matches were events that were well attended. Melodramas, western plays, comedies, music and courtship drew community members. Graduations ceremonies, a shooting gallery and skating floor were additional activities the upstairs has provided.

UPSTAIRS FUTURE

For many years the upstairs has not been used and is in poor shape. It needs extensive work to bring it up to code and has no heat/water/electricity/plumbing. It does have its original character with pressed tin ceiling and wood floor.

Our goal is to rehabilitate and restore the upstairs to its original purpose as a performance/dance/community gathering hall. We will be pursuing the Heritage Trust Fund grant and also local support to provide assistance in this project.

Even though The Shirley Opera House has always been privately owned it has also always been a community building. As such, it will be in the community's interest to assist in its rebirth. Please feel a part of this historic project.

THE LATEST NEWS

January 17, 2007 marked the placement of The Shirley Opera House on the National Register of Historic Places. This was a significant milestone as it allowed for an application to the Heritage Trust Fund. The community was notified of the approval of this grant at the end of May 2007 for the amount of $90,000.00. This will cover the structural improvements for the upstairs which will bring the second floor up to code for public usage and restore the walls, windows and doors. The total expected cost for the project will be about a quarter of a million.

Further fund raising projects will continue to help generate the remaining costs.