11-22-24

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

  Several dozen people met at the Uvalde Grand Opera House Thursday evening November 21st for a presentation on the “Ghosts, Goblins and a Drunk Dragon: A History of the Grand Opera House” by Opera House Manager Caitlyn Visel.

  The Uvalde Grand Opera House was constructed in 1891 and is one of the oldest buildings in the downtown area along with the Stein Building located across from the Uvalde City Hall.  

  Visel spoke about the Opera House which from the late 1890’s to 1914 which featured traveling Vaudeville Shows and traveling performers. A high school graduation event was also held at the Opera House. From the start of World War 1 in 1914 through the Great Depression, much of the Opera House was converted into office spaces occupied by various businesses. 

  Not much written history or artifacts remain from the early days of the Opera House as many theater productions in the early days did not print programs and any show posters were not kept. 

 John Nance Garner bought the Opera House and had an office in the Opera House on the second floor overlooking the downtown area in 1917.

 From the 1950’s through the 1970’s, the Opera House was not used and remained closed until the City of Uvalde acquired the building from the Garner Estate for $10 in 1978.

“In 1979, a commission was formed to raise funds to renovate the Opera House and return it to its former glory. The Opera House was officially re-opened in 1982 and was the center stage of Uvalde once again! Hosting dozens of plays, musicals, and a variety of other shows, the Opera House was once again a part of the community and way of life in Uvalde<‘ according to information from the Uvalde Grand Opera House website.

 Ghosts of the Opera House

  While Visel said she has personally not seen any of the three ghosts that haunt the Opera House, she said she has seen strange occurrences and heard unexplained noises during her time working at the Opera House with Program Coordinator Camille Jefcoat.

  Visel said that in 2020 the paranormal occurrences had increased due to the lack of events happening at the Opera House due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

 She said that the elevator inside the Opera House would move on its own and the doors would open on each floor. Once she heard what sounded like a chair being dragged along a wooden floor was heard from above. She also said that following one night’s performances. The smell of cigar and cigarette smoke has been detected along with other smells.  Visel continued stating that the unusual movements of the elevator were reported when it was undergoing an inspection. She said the inspectors could not find any technical reason that would cause the elevator to operate on its own during the day.

  She also said after the performances, she went to the downstairs dressing room to turn off all the lights before leaving only to find the lights were back on the next morning. 

  She went on to say others who have seen the ghosts recall seeing a woman in red, a woman in white and a small child.

 Visel stated she believes the ghosts are good ghosts.

The discussion of the paranormal occurrences at the Opera House may have been precipitated by an upcoming show in January 2025 called, “Ghosts of Texas”.

  On Saturday, January 11th, 2025, Klinge Brothers from the Discovery Channel show Ghost Lab will be held from  7pm to 9pm at the Uvalde Grand Opera House in Uvalde, Texas, presenting the “Ghosts of Texas”  

 Visel said in addition to the Ghosts of Texas show, a special VIP event limited to 12 people will occur between 9-10 PM that evening where a small group can join the Klinge brothers in a ghost quest experience. 

Tickets are on sale now at the Uvalde Opera House.

 

  The Rotary Club of Uvalde, a service club composed of a diverse group of volunteer minded business men and women and citizens in the community has recently embarked on a new service project: building a splash pad for families and children of Uvalde. 

  On Thursday, June 27th, the Rotary Club of Uvalde swore in Deborah “Debbie” McDonald as its incoming president for 2023 – 2024 at a special banquet held at the Uvalde Country Club. 

 According to McDonald, cost estimated for the proposed splashpad range from $250K to $550K. “The location has not been fully identified. The City must approve the location first, which will be at a park with utility infrastructure and restroom facilities,” McDonald said. 

 “The splash bucket, a large bucket that spills over when it gets full, is a very popular water toy that the children like. The anticipation of when the “spill” happens brings fun and excitement. Other toys and features spray nozzles, water guns, and a mushroom that rains from its edges are also being considered,” she said.

  Once the splash pad is completed, the feature will be free for families and children to use and enjoy, 

  “I think this is a much needed project in Uvalde and because of the current situation and interest in promoting safe, fun, wholesome activities for our you, I am designating this as Splashpad One, because I think there could be Splashpad, 2, 3 and 4,” McDonald said. 

  The Rotary Clubs of Del Rio and Fredricksberg have built their own respective slash pads for the communities they serve.

                                                              Previous Projects

The Rotary Club of Uvalde built the Rotary Club Amphitheatre, as well as the arched entrance sign leading into Uvalde Memorial Park. 

                         Bingo Fundraiser will start fundraising for the Splash Pad Project.

  On Saturday, July 8th, the Rotary Club of Uvalde will be hosting its first official fundraiser for the splash pad project at the Ssgt. Willie de Leon Civic Center.

 

   Bingo will start at 7 PM with the doors to open at 5:30 PM. Pre-sale tickets for the Bingo can be purchased at Galo Eye Center, Uvalde Chamber Office and Hillcrest Funeral Home.

Pre-sale tickets are $30 and $40 at the door, which include a package of 10 games. Only 550 tickets will be sold. 

Up to $3000 in cash prizes will be awarded.

 

 

 

Image by Joshua Choate from Pixabay

Press release from the City of Uvalde

  The City of Uvalde hereby invites all Citizens residing in Uvalde to submit their applications to operate the Concession Stand during the 2023 Soccer Season at the Sports Complex.

  All individuals, Businesses, and groups or organizations are invited to submit their applications, although The City of Uvalde will give :

  These are some examples of the organizations in the city that will have priority:

• Nonprofit organizations. 
• Student Groups (School Organizations, i.e. student council, clubs etc.)
• Parent School Groups
• Church Groups
• Community Groups

 All of these organizations must be able to prove their existence with the proper documentation.

 Sports Complex Concession Stand Information

• The Sports Complex Soccer Concession Stand generates $1,500.00 on average per game day.
• Concession Stand operates every time soccer games are scheduled.
• Hours and days of operation are Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm.
• The concession Stand will operate during the Soccer Season from September to November of 2023.

Requirements for Sports Complex Concession Stand Agreement

• Zero leasing or rental fees

• • Equipment Security Deposit of $200.00 (refundable if no damage to equipment)
  • Must be committed to open for every game.
  • Must acquire a Texas Food Handler Certificate
  • Sale of a variety of snacks, food, and drinks

• Absolutely – NO ALCOHOL SALES –

• Must keep the space clean and presentable.

• Must take care of the equipment and the facilities.

  Applications must be received by July 5th at 3:00 PM at the City of Uvalde’s City Hall Finance Department located at 101 East Main Street, Uvalde Texas 78801. The application is available on our City’s website (www.uvaldetx.gov) If you have questions please call Amanda Terrazas at 830-278-3315 Ext. 136 or email to: aterrazas@uvaldetx.gov

  The City reserves the right to reject any or all applications and to waive any informality in applications received.