July 14, 1976

Indianapolis Star

By Mrytie Barker

What a delightful jaunt it would be to drive out (east) on U.S. 40 to Lewisville, Ind., to the open house tour of Lewisville’s old Guyer Opera House this Sunday.

A letter from Tom Saunders is a reminder that old opera houses are one of the fascinating features of early America. They sprang up in the small towns across the country at the turn of the century.

Lewisville is doing something about its opera house. It is restoring it. That’s why the special invitation to head for Raintree County on Sunday. Much of the original setup remains. The auditorium is a 50-foot by 50-foot tiered room capable of seating 350 people. The stage has a beveled style proscenium arch with the original gaslight fixtures.

A painted asbestos drop curtain features a castle scene with lake and mountain landscape. The scene is surrounded by painted swag draperies and tasseled curtains.

Much of the original stage hardware is in place and usable.

The four dressing rooms are intact with original gaslight fixtures and playbills of performers who "trod the boards" of the old opera house in its heyday.

It was first opened in 1902, and considered a tribute to Dr. O. K. Guyer, a Lewisville physician. The opera house presented plays by stock companies in Indianapolis and other theatrical centers, gun shows, farmer’s institutes, Civil War reunions, commencements, rabbit suppers, dances, home talent shows and holiday observances for the community. The Guyer Opera House was later used as a movie theater, and as the setting for Lewisville High School dramatic presentations.

In 1942 the pot-bellied stoves used to heat the building would not pass fire regulations…and the chapter ended.

Now, people in Lewisville have awakened to the treasure they have in their midst and, under the guidance of Dick and Vickie Willis, the nonprofit Raintree County Opera House Guild was formed.

As a first step, they are presenting an exhibition of landmark drawings by the talented K. P. Sing, born in India, now a resident of Indianapolis. With a look of delicate etchings, the art depicts brick and stone and wide walks leading up to great doors.

Once restored, Lewisville’s Opera House promises to be a warm and pulsating part of life in that community. The guild hopes to have it the scene of film festivals, lecture series, summer theater, children’s theater, style shows and recitals.