August 26, 1909 the Woodsman of America Building Association purchased Lot 1 Block 11 in Grover, Colorado. The object: To construct and maintain a suitable building for a Lodge, Amusement and Mercantile; to lease and control the same. This was filed with the Clerk and Recorder of Weld County, September 7, 1909. On or about July 1, 1910 construction was started and so begins the history of this building.
First used to hold meetings, socials and dances, it soon proved to be a focal point of Grover and the surrounding area.
In March 1914, Mr. Henry Thompson became the owner of the building and it was soon named the "Grover Opera House". Mr. Thompson and his family had the building until November 1944. During this period the Opera House had travelling stage shows, opera companies, vaudeville acts, socials, lectures, church services, Grover's first High School graduation, dances, silent movies, and the area's first talkies.
The upper floor was originally used as dressing rooms. Children from surrounding farms and ranches could not travel to town on a daily basis to attend school so the upper floor was converted into apartments to accomodate them during the week and they would return home on weekends.
In the 1920's the basement was used as a feed store. From 1938 to 1940 the Opera House was leased to Kraft Cheese and a cheese factory operated in the building for eighteen months. The building was sold to Williams & Doris Robbins in November 1944. They operated a grocery store on the main floor and had entertainment upstairs. The building was sold in February 1955 to Richard and Joyce Hutchinson and remained a grocery store through several other owners until 1970.
In 1975 the National Center for Atmospheric Research leased the building to house their employee's while studying hail in the area. Since then the building has been unoccupied. The Grover Opera House is one of only three remaining original buildings on the main street of Grover.
The Grover Opera House was donated to G.R.L.A. for the express purpose of becoming a Library. The Grover Regional Library Association has received several grants and continues to apply for funding to bring this project to fruition.
The Grover Opera House Project will directly benefit over 400 households by providing a lending library, an extensive reference center, a regional history room, continuing education programs, senior and youth programs and a center for recreational resources. Restoring the building enhances and beautifies our region, becomes an additional focal point for the Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic and Historic Byways.
We will eliminate a two hour drive to use existing facilities, provide a center for education and information outside of the school environment for our adult population, enhance recreational activities by providing an alternative to school sports and instituting activities for our seniors and youths, provide and promote cultural activities and be an attraction that gives travelers an incentive to spend time in our area.
This website designed and maintained pro bono by Kellie Matthews.
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