Whitley Opera House

This large theater was constructed sometime before 1884, and was located in the upper stories of a three story brick building, with retail on the ground floor. It appears that entry to the theater may have been via external stairs on the north and west sides of the building.

The theater is not listed in the 1914-15 AMPD, but was showing films by 1917, when it was one of three properties of the Emporia Photoplay Co. It’s uncertain when exactly it closed, but the 1923 map shows the building had apparently been cut down by about 5 feet, and was now solely retail.

This whole portion of the block was destroyed many years ago for parking.

Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.