Page 87 - A Flood of Memories
P. 87
TODAY
Miamisburg:
Baum Opera House
Left: Floodwater ripped through First Street in Miamisburg, destroying the street and the Miami & Erie Canal bed in front of the Star City Opera House and tearing away entire fronts of brick buildings next door. Floodwater reached 9 feet deep in this area of the city. The opera house suffered extensive damage with water lling the rst oor and tearing away windows, doors, and contents.
Upper Right: The Baum Opera House was originally known as the Star City Opera House. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was said to accommodate 800 guests and was the rst of its kind built in a community the size of Miamisburg. Over the years, the Baum has been home to many activities – a bowling alley and a skating rink, as well as the site of the rst Miamisburg High School basketball game in 1916.
The Baum underwent a major renovation and restoration after the building was sold at sheriff’s sale in 1994. Today, the Baum Opera House is home to a variety of events from concerts and Christmas parties to theater productions, wedding receptions and more. The foyer on the front was added after the ood.
Lower Right: Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg presents “Annie” at the Baum Opera House.
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