GRAND OPERA HOUSE OF WLMINGTON

GRAND OPERA HOUSE

WILMINGTON

1970'S RESTORATION

Friday, November 25, 1988, Bill Frank, a New Journal columnist,

wrote in the Wilmington Morning News, that the Grand Opera House,

on Market Street, recently received an award from the federal government

as an exciting center for arts and culture.

The award was presented by President Reagan on behalf of the National

Historic Preservation Council to Catherine Reese, president of the

Grand Opera House, the history of which dates back to 1871 when it was

built as part of the Masonic Building and was Delaware's real theater.

As time passed it deteriorated until 1970 when John Craig executive

editor of New Journal newspapers, and Bill Frank, columnist, got

together and 'discussed' the history of the Grand Opera House. What

came about was the multi million dollar restoration project. It became

one of the most rewarding and satisfying projects ever staged in the city.

One goal of the Masons in establishing the the theater was to expand the

cultural level and still today the Grand is a lively center for local and

world class artists.

A 1979 News Journal editorial on December 22, tells a good bit about

the project's success.

“ What brought everyone together in 1971 was to restore the Grand Old

Lady of Market Street to her former glamor, which now was in disuse and

disrepair , and enrich the cultural life of the community and provide a

suitable stage for performances such as the Delaware Symphony and

to bring in an array of musical and theatrical talent from all over the world.

John Craig's dream 1970 dream has turned into reality.