Mauch Chunk Opera House

One hundred and nineteen years later, music lovers and theater goers still appreciate the intimate space and excellent acoustics of the Mauch Chunk Opera House. The building was designed by Addison Hutton, noted architect from Philadelphia, and originally housed a farmer's market on the first floor and concert hall on the second. The affluent citizens of old Mauch Chunk (now Jim Thorpe) decided to foot the bill to build the Opera House themselves. They could then attend top-notch performances right in their own town. Eventually, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old vaudeville circuit, with entertainers such as Al Jolson, Eddie Foy and Mae West gracing the stage.