The building of the Music Hall was began in 1870, the architect being Isaac G. Perry and the contractor William H. Stillwell, who finished his work so that the new place of amusement was opened by Miss Kellog in February of the following year. The manager was William S. Parsons, the well known alderman, though Mr. William G. Sterling, one of the owners and since deceased, attended to much of the work of booking companies.
The original stockholders were William G. Sterling and S. W. Thurlow, whose monograms have always occupied a prominent place above the upper boxes. Mr. Parsons was succeeded in the management of the house by Charles D. Lafferty, then associated in the drug business with John H. Peacock in the old Chahoon Hall Block, later occupied by Davidow the pawnbroker. Mr. Lafferty soon wearied of managerial duties and he was succeeded in 1878 by Mr. W. D. White, then a clerk for Peacock and Lafferty, who continued that position until 1880, when he removed to Hazleton. The manageral mantle the fell upon Mr. M. H. Burgunder, who remained in that capacity until the completion of the Grand Opera House in 1882, when he resigned to accept its management. Mr. Eugene Frank was then at the head of the house, but the bulk of the work was performed by Mr. John Labagh.
The present stockholders are the Sterling estate and Andrew Hunlock who own a half interest. Eugene Frank, B. Reynolds, Hon. H. W. Palmer and Mrs. Vinchio each own an eight interest. The building cost $120,000 exclusive of land.
During the history ofthe Music Hall the most prominent actors of this and other countries have trod its boards. Booth, Barrett, Keene and others equally known have at one time or another enjoyed the plaudits of delighted attendants, and there are few theatre-goers in this vicinity who do not associate the somewhat historic building with pleasant memories.
The New Music Hall. What Has Been Done by Way of Improvement
(Wilkes-Barre Times - Newspaper Article - August 25, 1893)
The first floor was used for business purposes, but over all was a large and well-appointed auditorium seating about twelve hundred persons and known as Music Hall, with an ample stage, galleries, proscenium boxes, all well adapted for musical entertainments and for the production of theatrical plays ar well.
When finished, Music Hall was opened by a concert in which appeared Clara Louise Kellogg, the famous opera singer of the time, accompanied by the Germania Orchestra, the leading Philadelphia musical organization of that day. The hall was crowded by the best people of the town. From time to time thereafter for a period of twenty years or more famous actors and famous singers, and occasionally famous lecturers, entertained the public at Music Hall. Among the actors were Joseph Jefferson, Mr. and Mrs. William J. Florence, John T. Raymond, Mrs. Drew, mother of John Drew; Maggie Mitchell, John E. Owens, and many other players of the day. Among the musical stars, besides Clara Louise Kellogg, were Christine Nilsson, Caroline Richings, and others whose names I do not at the moment recall. Music Hall served its day and generation and was demolished in 1895 to make way for the Hotel Sterling. (George R. Bedford, Early Recollections)
