Written by Louise Shaw, in 1965, the paper provides insights into the history of the Wheeler Opera House.

Introduction:

Seventy-six years ago the Wheeler Opera House was a symbol of the prestige and culture of the silver mining town of Aspen, Colorado. Somehow theatrical historians have overlooked the little theater twice ravaged by fire that spared enough attic space for pigeons to nest. Since restoration in its Victorian style, artists of world renown and some of tomorrow’s great musicians appear there. From 1950 through 1954, the writer lived in Aspen when famous musicians were performing at summer festivals, and professional skiers were helping develop a winter ski resort. Proud pioneers, dwelling in the glorious past and probably a little intolerant of the 1950 advances, told stories of Aspen’s late nineteenth century wealth from the silver mines, progressiveness and culture. After hearing these tales, an idea developed that a history of the Wheeler Opera House should reflect that sterling silver life, and, if it did, the findings should be organized
in a tangible form that they might be preserved.