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The
Millett Opera House
TE Photo |
This
building was once capable of seating 800 patrons, which at the time
was 7% of Austin's population. Mr. Millett owned a lumberyard on this
site, so construction didn't involve too much moving of materials.
At the time of it's completion it was second largest theater in Texas
- surpassed only by Galveston. Noted performers included Edwin Booth,
and John Phillips Sousa. William Jennings Byan spoke here and it even
served occasionally as a meeting place for the Texas Legislature while
the Capitol was being built.
It also became a roller-skating rink when that craze hit - and boxing
matches were held here as well. When the larger and newer Hancock
Opera House opened in 1898, the owners learned about the
fickle public.
It was acquired by the Knights of Columbus in 1911 and sold again
in 1929. Remodeling both times failed to alter the building's outward
appearance to any great degree.
Although F.E. Ruffini designed many buildings in Austin, the Millet
Opera House is the only one standing today.
© John Troesser
September 2001
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