In 1881, the community called for a new market-house and town hall to be built in Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania.

Initially The Mauch Chunk Opera House was designed to meet community needs with both an open-air farmer’s market on the first floor and a second story concert hall.

Addison Hutton, a Philadelphia architect who often came to Mauch Chunk, designed the building. The dedicated citizens of Mauch Chunk paid for and built the structure so they could enjoy professional performances in their own town. "The hall was formally opened on the evening of Feb. 4, 1882. A comedy, 'Edgewood Folks,' was performed before a crowded audience."

Eventually, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old Vaudeville Circuit. Al Jolsen performed here regularly as well as John Phillips Sousa who delighted audiences with an annual show. "The Opera House was of ample size, appropriately and elegantly finished and furnished, and possessed the important requisite of excellent acoustic properties."

In 1927, the building was purchased by the Comerford amusement chain, who renovated extensively. During the next three decades the Opera House became known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house. The movie house officially closed on April 27, 1959. "That was a Monday night and on the bill was Tom Thumb." The local newspaper reported, "The Capitol Theatre closed its doors here last night, perhaps never to open again... the film entertainment on West Broadway has been dying a slow death at the box office. Its once heavy patronage reduced to a mere trickle by television and other entertainment media..."

The building was then purchased by Berkeley Bags Company, a pocketbook manufacturer, and used for many years as a warehouse.

After this time and years of neglect the Mauch Chunk Opera House was taken over by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society. The Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 West Broadway, is once again a place where movies, music, dance and drama delight audiences of all ages.

For information about renting this venue: Facility Rental