"Fife Opera House" Palestine Things to Do Tip by deecat

Be sure to see all of the Photographs

The Fife Opera House is a landmark in Palestine. David Fife began construction in 1898 to build a 2-story opera house in downtown Palestine. Interestingly, on the street level, David Fife operated a hardware store and an undertaking business!. But, on the second floor was the modern theater which had electric lights, electric fans, turn-of-the-century murals, and plush red-leather seating [for several hundred quests]. The Fife Opera House web said that "lights all over town dimmed as David Fife threw the switches illuminating his fabulous opera house on opening night." The building was completed in 1901.

They had band concerts, stock traveling shows, comedies, minstrel shows, and a lyceum series here. It operated from 1901-1912.

Today, the whole 2nd floor is being renovated. They have restored the hand-painted murals and the rolled curtain. If you take a tour, you will see photographs, musical instruments, maps, and lovely fashions of the time. The Palestine Preservation Projects Society is in charge of all of this.

Today tours are available through the Palestine Preservation Projects Society, and it can also be rented. There are exhibits, changing displays, souvenirs, and books [to purchase].

Directions: South Main Street in Palestine, Illinois
Phone: (618) 586-9418
Website: http://www.fifeoperahouse.org