A History of the Hamblin Opera House - Battle Creek, Michigan

Join me as we explore the history of the Hamblin Opera House in Battle Creek, Michigan, the first entertainment venue in the city. The Hamblin Opera House, also called 'Hamblin's Opera House', was founded by pioneer banker A.C. Hamblin and it existed on Main Street (present day Michigan Ave) in downtown Battle Creek from 1868 - 1904. It became the Bijou Theater from 1905 - 1909, before the Bijou re-established itself in a new location.
The three decades of operation of the Hamblin Opera House brought broadway shows, chorus lines, orchestras, comedy shows, minstrel shows, magicians and many more acts to the city of Battle Creek. In its prime, the Hamblin Opera House averaged 3 shows a week and approximately 130 - 150 shows a year.
This video explores this incredibly unique period in history of one of the many early entertainment venues in Michigan that benefited from access to the Michigan Central Railroad, and its location being halfway between Detroit and Chicago.

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