Our History
Franklin Town & Memorial Hall was designed by the architect William M. Butterfield of Manchester. Like many other town halls of the era, its design included a community gathering place, known as The Opera House. The construction began the summer of 1892 with construction finalized and the dedication ceremony held on September 5, 1893.
On September 29 the first major event of the Opera House was held with a performance by Fanny Rice, a famous comedienne, singer, and actress and the sister of Laura Rice who had recited the opening poem at the dedication ceremony. The Opera House had many uses throughout its long history such as hosting balls, conventions, graduations, sports events, dances, film showings, musicals, plays, operas, and speeches,
until the 1960’s when the city partitioned off sections of the stage and the auditorium to provide additional space for city services.
Original seating plan... 745 NARROW seats!
In 1997, when the police department and court moved to their own homes on the other side of Central Street, the Franklin Opera House Restoration Committee was formed and reopened the Opera House.
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