Thrasher Opera House

== Thrasher Opera House == Thrasher Opera House is a historic cultural venue located on Mill Street in downtown Green Lake, Wisconsin. Established by Charlie Thrasher in 1910, the opera house has served as a central hub for community activity and entertainment for over a century. Initially hosting vaudeville acts and traveling theatrical companies, the venue is fondly remembered for the films shown by Charlie Thrasher as early as 1912, following the advent of electricity in the area. The opera house's early days were marked by a simple seating arrangement of wooden kitchen chairs and a vibrant schedule of events that included movies, school functions, dances, basketball games, town meetings, and lectures. With the introduction of a projection system, silent films were screened with live piano accompaniment, and by 1929, "talkies" were introduced with the installation of sound equipment. Throughout the years, the venue underwent several name changes, including Thrasher's Movie House and The Lake Theatre, reflecting its evolving role in the community. Despite its popularity, the building eventually fell into disuse, serving as a warehouse until 1994 when local real estate broker and arts enthusiast Ron Hagstrom purchased and began plans for its restoration. The meticulous restoration of Thrasher Opera House was guided by local recollections, a restoration architect, and the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Despite the challenges of staying historically accurate and meeting modern building codes, the project was a success, with only one photo of the original interior and some hidden details to guide the work. Local artists contributed to the restoration, recreating a stenciled pattern discovered during the process. Today, Thrasher Opera House stands as a testament to its storied past and continues to be an active participant in the cultural life of Green Lake. The interior, adorned with an embossed tin ceiling, stenciled walls, and a hardwood floor, is noted for its excellent acoustics and the intimate atmosphere it provides for audiences and performers alike. Designated as a City of Green Lake Historic Structure, Thrasher Opera House is also listed in the Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places. It remains a living legacy to its founder, Charlie Thrasher, and the rich history of entertainment and community engagement in Green Lake.