July 15, 1976

Knightstown Banner

Guyer Opera House on U.S. 40 in Lewisville reeks of history.

From the minute you enter the 19^th century structure, spirits from the old medicine and gun shows as well as the traveling vaudeville acts linger in the air.

Area residents will now be able to share in the historic preservation of the opera house as the restoration officially begins with a public open house from 2 to 5 p.m. July 18.

Through the efforts of Dick and Vickie Willis, plans for the restoration and refurbishing of the opera house have already begun.

The Guyer Opera House was first opened in 1902. The house was named in honor of its founder, Dr. O. K. Guyer, a Lewisville physician. It was first used to present plays from stock companies in Indianapolis and other theatrical centers, as well as gun shows, farmers’ institutes, Civil War Regiment reunions, commencements, rabbit suppers, dances home talent shows and holiday observances for the community.

It was later used as a motion picture house and as the setting for Lewisville High School dramatic presentations. The building was closed in 1942 because the pot-bellied stoves used to heat the building would not pass fire regulations.

The idea to restore the Guyer was the brainchild of the Willises. They have investigated and dreamed about the restoration for four years. A year ago, a board of directors was formed, a constitution written and the Guild was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization.

The purposes of the Raintree County Opera House Guild are to acquire, restore and operate the Guyer as a museum theater capable of producing modern drama as well as to provide the greater Raintree County area with a small auditorium and museum.

Plans for the restoration are grouped into four phases. The first with a completion date set for June 1977 is to acquire and open the building. Restoration will not be completed. Immediate plans call for new plumbing, wiring, air-conditioning, heating and making the building suitable to modern safety and comfort regulations.

The second phase is to restore the exterior of the building and to furnish the lobby area in a Victorian style. Phase three will be the complete restoration of the auditorium part of the building and Phase four will be the addition of a production area at the back of the existing structure.

The phases of restoration will be completed, as moneys become available. The first phase will require $50,000. The building price is $15,000 and the architect’s estimate for opening is $35,000.

The building has been inspected by the Administrative Building Council of Indiana and the State Fire Marshall’s office. The agencies have given the green light to proceed with the projects.

Membership in the Raintree County Opera House Guild, Inc. is obtained by purchasing at least "one share of historical preservation." A share is $25. More shares may be purchased and gives the member additional voting rights and privileges. Types of memberships are: individual member - $25; family member - $50; organizational member - $100; individual patron - $100; family patron - $150; and Angel - $500 or more.

K. P. Singh, noted Indianapolis artist, will display his prints at the Raintree County Opera House Guild open house July 18. Singh is known for his historical architecture prints, artistic necrology. He is recording the physical remains of great buildings throughout Indiana.