Chester Opera House

The Opera House in Chester IL was listed in the 1897-98 edition of the Julius Cahn Official Theatrical Guide, an annual for roadshow managers. Its seating capacity was given as 650. It was under the managment of Herman Wiebusch and Edw. Tindall. Ticket prices ranged from 25 cents to 50 cents. The proscenium opening was 18 feet wide x 9 feet high, and the stage was 18 feet deep. The theatre was on the second floor and had electric illumination. There apparently were no less than 7 hotels in Chester, and 3 newspapers. The town was served by 2 railroads and 3 steamboat lines. The population was 5,000.