Redmond Opera House Redmond, Utah (1880s - 1948) |
The Redmond Opera House was built by Julius Christensen in the 1880s, but it's original function is unknown. It served as a store for about ten years before being converted into a recreation center about 1910 to 1920.[1]
On Tuesday afternoon, 14 December 1948, the janitor started a fire in the basement furnace to prepare the building for a basketball practice and a ward drama group. A fire was discovered about 7 p.m. The Salina volunteer fire department had the blaze under control within an hour and a half. The Richfield fire department also responded, but turned back in Salina after hearing they were not needed. The interior of the theater was gutted and the hand-made brick was weakened by the heat. The loss was estimated at more than $10,000.[1]
1. "Fire Destroys Old Theatre in Redmond", Piute County News, 17 December 1948, page 1