In 1914, most of the population of Lead (nearly 10,000) worked for the gold mine. Lead was the second largest city in South Dakota. The breathtakingly ornate Historic Homestake Opera House was built in 1914 by the Homestake Mining Company for their employees and employee’s families.

With a large amount of square footage, it housed a 1,000-seat theater, swimming pool, billiard hall, 6-lane bowling alley, women’s and men’s lounges, library, and social rooms. The theater offered international performing acts, boxing, plays, musicals, dance, vaudeville shows and later on, movies. It was built with the finest materials available at that time – hence the nickname ‘Jewel of the Black Hills.’

Unfortunately, a devastating fire broke out in 1984, which caused the art-filled theater in the beloved building to crumple in on itself and burn, turing the theater into a huge, gaping hole. The intricate plasterwork remained, though charred, but the handpainted murals and other art turned to ash.

The building was to be saved but sat empty for a decade. However, restoration was planned, funds were raised and work was completed. The building has been lovingly cared for by phases of people, and phases of funding.

The next phase of the restoration plan is just beginning.

The Historic Homestake Opera House Society’s mission is ‘to restore Lead’s historic opera house and enrich the community’ and has been enriching the community with performing arts and programming since their beginning in 1997 by offering arts events in the form of fundraising. Every ticket price is used to keep the building in working order.

All year long, events are held at this admirable place.
Weddings are held and celebrated here.
Tour bus groups visit the building from all the states and Canada.
Day-long seminars are presented.
Elementary field trips are being scheduled for 2012.

This building is alive and well – just a bit tarnished.

Please take a look through this site. A new website is being structured as you read this, and we’re getting excited to show it off.
If you’ve got any questions, comments, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to call or email us – anytime. We’re all ears.

Thanks for your support. This Place Matters.

Sincerely,
Sarah

Sarah Carlson
Executive Director
opera@rushmore.com
605-584-2067 office
605-929-6427 cell
HomestakeOperaHouse.org
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