Stafford Bank and Opera House - Columbus, TX
Posted by: 
WalksfarTX
N 29° 42.320 W 096° 32.421
14R E 737962 N 3288667
An old opera house and bank on the south side of the Columbus town square that is now used for the Chamber of Commerce and a tourist information center.
Waymark Code: WMW053
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 06/19/2017
Views: 4
Marker Text:
Built 1886 by R. E. Stafford, 1834-1890, millionaire cattleman. Stately interior (which seated 1,000) had gas-burning chandeliers and an elaborate hand-painted curtain. Architect was N. J. Clayton, who designed many opulent Texas buildings. Opening performance, "As in a Looking Glass," starred famous Lillian Russell. Magician Houdini also played here, as did other prominent entertainers. On performance days, special trains ran from distant towns.
Street address:
425 Spring Street
Columbus, TX USA
78934
County / Borough / Parish: Colorado County
Year listed: 1973
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Periods of significance: 1900-1924, 1875-1899
Historic function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
Current function: Recreation And Culture
Privately owned?: yes
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 1: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and brief account of your visit. Include any additional observations or information that you may have, particularly about the current condition of the site. Additional photos are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.