Hi everyone! I was the “janitor” here in ‘72-'73 when it was the Victoria Opera House, run by John Skilken and James Burt. Cleaned the entire place every day by myself . Had a key to the side door on 1st St. Would stand on stage in a darkened, silent space and commune with the spirits of past performers. Would climb the backstage ladder to the rooftop for the view. Watched Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden speeches. Leo Kottke , Jean-Luc Ponty, rock acts and even Grand Ol'Opry performers. “Harold and Maude”, “Reefer Madness”, “Fantasia” and other films would run for it seems like weeks at a time, and come back. The young boomers kept the place filled at times, one of the few reliable congregating spots in town at the time. A friend reupholstered the seats just before it closed in the 70’s. It’s one those miracles we all should be thankful for, that it’s more beautiful and vibrant than ever. It will always have a place in my heart.
Hi everyone! I was the “janitor” here in ‘72-'73 when it was the Victoria Opera House, run by John Skilken and James Burt. Cleaned the entire place every day by myself . Had a key to the side door on 1st St. Would stand on stage in a darkened, silent space and commune with the spirits of past performers. Would climb the backstage ladder to the rooftop for the view. Watched Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden speeches. Leo Kottke , Jean-Luc Ponty, rock acts and even Grand Ol'Opry performers. “Harold and Maude”, “Reefer Madness”, “Fantasia” and other films would run for it seems like weeks at a time, and come back. The young boomers kept the place filled at times, one of the few reliable congregating spots in town at the time. A friend reupholstered the seats just before it closed in the 70’s. It’s one those miracles we all should be thankful for, that it’s more beautiful and vibrant than ever. It will always have a place in my heart.