Alexis Opera House
historic place
The Alexis Opera House, located at 101-105 North Main Street in Alexis, Illinois, was built in 1889. Businessman William S. Weir constructed it. The first show, by the May Bretonne Company, was on November 1, 1889. From 1889 to 1920, this opera house was a community center. It hosted traveling shows, music, and speakers. Local events, like high school graduations, also took place here. In 1920, the state fire marshal closed it due to safety issues, including no fire escape. Owner William A. McKnight considered repairs too expensive. The building's ground floor later housed a funeral parlor and hardware store until 1950. The Alexis Opera House was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 30, 1987. This Warren County site reflects a key era of local social and cultural activity.