Howell Opera House

The Howell Opera House, located in downtown Howell, is a historic building with a rich heritage in the arts and community life. Constructed in 1881, this three-story late Victorian edifice was designed by the prominent Detroit architect Almon C. Varney. It originally served as a community opera house, opening its stage on December 30th of the same year with its first performance. For 43 years, until its closure in 1924 by the local fire marshal, the opera house was a vibrant hub of entertainment, hosting live shows, speeches, dinners, graduation ceremonies, plays, and various other social activities of the era. The opera house was managed by E.D. Stair from 1885 to 1892, who would later become notable for acquiring the Detroit Free Press and the Garrick Theatre. In 1893, new management took over, and the building was sold to Arthur Garland, who utilized part of the main floor for the production of custom-tailored suits that were distributed nationally. The building's design featured retail spaces on the first floor, with the theatre and its balconies situated above. Originally, a central entry on the front of the building led to a wide staircase that ascended to the second-floor theater. The theatre, which had an 800-seat capacity and cost $11,000 to construct in 1880, played a dual role as a civic auditorium and, for a time, served as a temporary venue for the Livingston County Circuit Court. The lower level of the building was consistently occupied by retail businesses, ranging from hardware to clothing stores. The Howell Opera House was a cornerstone of Livingston County's cultural life. It was a destination where people from the surrounding areas would gather to enjoy a variety of performances, including productions such as Gilbert and Sullivan's "Mikado" and Shakespeare's "Hamlet," as well as to listen to speeches from notable figures like presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan and industrialist Henry Ford. Today, the Howell Opera House has undergone significant renovations. The first floor has been completely revitalized and is now used for a diverse range of public and private events. However, the upper floor theatre and balconies have been preserved as a historical time capsule. The Livingston Arts Council offers free public tours of the theater throughout the year and uses the space in a limited capacity for its exclusive events. The Howell Opera House continues to be an important landmark in the community, overseen by the Livingston Arts Council, which is dedicated to the building's preservation and the promotion of arts and culture in the region. The council's efforts include restoration progress, sponsorship, and providing opportunities for public involvement through volunteer work, donations, and memberships.