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Lewiston boasted opera house, church-run dance floor By
Melanie Price LEWISTON -- Approaching its 100th birthday, Lewiston has officially operated as a town since April 16, 1904. In that time, the town and its citizens have definitely created some traditions for entertainment. According to Virginia Van Orden's History of Lewiston, the town once had an opera house. Built in 1883, it was owned and controlled by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "It had the largest and best dancing floor in the valley and was one of the very first to introduce the sound picture system," Van Orden writes. "It was used for worship, recreation, and for general business purposes." But on Dec. 25, 1930, the opera house burned after a Christmas night dance. Van Orden says it was a "terrible blow to Lewiston." Lewiston residents found other ways to occupy their time, though. The Fourth of July celebration and the movie theater unite the town as the opera house once did. "The Fourth of July has been observed in Lewiston with but few exceptions more than any holiday," Van Orden said. Librarian Vella Durrant says the celebration includes filling the city park with booths, a petting zoo, crafts, a talent show, a rodeo and horse races. There is also a parade and an art show. The movie theater also offers a good source of family entertainment. Tickets are $2, and for $8 an entire family can catch a show. The theater, located in the Lewiston Community Building, was built in 1934. As far as attendance for the theater, Manager Rosie Williams says "it depends a lot on the show. "If it is one they can bring their families to, we get a really good crowd," Williams said. So, if entertainment is looking sparse, head to Lewiston and become part of the tradition of fun.
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