Silent "moving pictures" were shown in the early 1900s. Meetings, dances, college commencement exercises, and musicals were held in the spacious auditorium. The Opera House was used not only by professional performers but also by the community.
Tallulah Bankhead, Tex Ritter, and members of the famous Barrymore family are said to have performed in the historic structure. The Opera House quickly became known as "the entertainment center of the Midlands.” On its stage appeared touring companies of New York plays, minstrel and variety shows, famed vocalists and lecturers, magicians and mind readers, novelty acts, and boxing exhibitions. One scene, a landscape, survived to the late 20 th century. Drop curtains and seven scenes for the stage were provided. A gas lighting system was installed with a reflector, or "sun burner", for added brilliance. Howard Tower town clock, 90 feet from the ground. The building has a tower 130 feet high topped with a garfish weathervane, and the tower houses an E. In connection with the hall were a ticket office, a "green room", a cloakroom, and three dressing rooms. The second floor was a hall 53 by 52 feet with a stage 29 by 52 feet.
The original design called for the first floor to house the fire engine room, council chambers, a clerk’s office, a police officer, and three jail cells. The talents of local craftsmen in woodworking and masonry were used throughout the construction. The granite came from a quarry approximately two miles outside of the city limits. It was designed as a place of entertainment for the local citizenry and as a seat of government for the city and constructed with brick from three local brickyards. The French Gothic clock tower dominates the city’s skyline. Norman and built at a cost of $30,000, the building is an example of Victorian civic eclectic architecture. The Newberry Opera House has been the heart of Newberry County since its dedication in 1882.
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