Site of Steger Opera House
Bonham, Fannin County, Texas
Marker Inscription
1890-1920 An opera house was constructed at this site in 1890 by a stock company headed by Benjamin Dabney. Two years later it was purchased by Ed D. Steger. Under his direction, the Steger Opera House became a popular spot for early residents of the Bonham area. It was the scene of many theater productions, traveling shows, civic activities and local talent events. the opera house later briefly served as a motion picture theater and then was used by a variety of commercial establishments. A landmark in the town for many years, it was razed in 1980.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A stock company led by Benjamin Dabney built an opera house on this Bonham site in 1890, and two years later Ed D. Steger bought it and gave it his name. For three decades the Steger Opera House drew theater productions, traveling shows, and local talent nights, serving as the town's principal venue for entertainment and civic gatherings. It later flickered as an early movie theater and housed various shops before being razed in 1980.
Why it matters
Small-town opera houses like this were the cultural hearts of turn-of-the-century America, bringing professional theater and community celebration to the rural interior.
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Related people
- · Benjamin Dabney
- · Ed D. Steger
Themes & tags
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