California's First Theatre in Monterey, a charming adobe and wood structure, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the Golden State. This unassuming building, with its rustic façade, hides a vibrant history that dates back to the mid-19th century, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in the origins of California's theatrical and social heritage.
Originally built between 1846 and 1847 by English sailor and pioneer Jack Swan, the building was initially conceived as a lodging house and tavern for sailors. Located at the southwest corner of Pacific and Scott Streets, near the Custom House in Monterey, it quickly became a hub for the local seafaring community. The smaller wooden portion of the building, constructed using lumber salvaged from a shipwreck, served as a boarding house and tavern, offering a warm hearth and hearty meals to weary sailors.
The building's transformation into California's first official theatre is a story of serendipity and community spirit. In the autumn of 1847, four soldiers from Santa Barbara, along with three local comedians, decided to put on a minstrel show. This impromptu performance was so well received that Swan decided to convert the larger rectangular adobe section of his establishment into a theatre. This new space, measuring 75 feet in length and 12 feet in width, could accommodate up to 200 people, complete with a pit and a stage.
The theatre was a modest affair, with handwritten programs and posters created using a blacking pot and brush. Despite its humble beginnings, it quickly became a popular venue for entertainment. By 1848, U.S. Army officers stationed in the nearby Presidio of Monterey began organizing theatrical productions, under the guidance of actor-manager Charles E. Bingham. The theatre was rebranded as The Union Theatre, and Swan outfitted it with a stage, benches, whale-oil lamps, footlight candles, and makeshift curtains. Tickets for these early performances cost $5, equivalent to about $183 today, and the inaugural show garnered a substantial $500, a significant sum at the time.
From 1848 to 1850, California's First Theatre hosted a variety of plays, including Putnam, the Iron Son of '76, Box and Cox, Damon and Pythias, and the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet. This period marked the theatre's golden age, as it became a beloved cultural hub in Monterey. However, the Gold Rush era saw Jack Swan lease out his adobe and join the throngs of fortune-seekers heading to the Sierra Nevada.
Over the next several decades, the building served various roles, including a lodging house, whaling station, drug store, gift shop, and tea room. The smaller wooden structure was home to Fred Smith, who operated a curio shop there for about twenty years. The larger adobe building, however, fell into disrepair after Swan's death in 1896.
In 1905, the California Historic Landmarks League, a group of Monterey residents including William Randolph Hearst, acquired the building and donated it to the state of California. The state legislature allocated funds for its restoration, and by 1920, the building had been restored and reopened as a museum. On display were artifacts over 250 years old, and a room was dedicated to serving tea.
On January 31, 1934, California's First Theatre was officially designated as California Historical Landmark #136. The theatre resumed its activities in 1937 under the management of Denny-Watrous from Carmel-by-the-Sea. They staged an 1880s melodrama titled Tatters, the Pet of Squatter's Gulch, marking the first performance in the historic adobe after a hiatus of over 75 years.
In September 1937, Denny-Watrous Management leased the building, sponsored by the Monterey History and Art Association, to host theatrical performances. This marked the beginning of the Troupers of the Gold Coast's residency. They staged the melodrama In the Shadow of the Rockies, which was a tremendous success. From 1937 until 1999, the Troupers revived the theatre's original melodramas, delighting audiences with performances reminiscent of the 1850s.
By 1965, California's First Theatre was still hosting presentations, maintaining its tradition for over 50 years until it closed for renovation in 1999. The Monterey State Historic Park Association (MSHPA) is currently engaged in extensive repair efforts, aiming to reopen the building for special events and public festivities, such as the Christmas in the Adobes celebration.
California's First Theatre is more than just a historic building; it is a living legacy of the state's rich cultural and theatrical history. The Online Archive of California houses the California First Theatre Collection, which includes documents, artifacts, and mementos from the theatre's significant era of operation from 1937 to 1999. This collection also captures the essence of modern theatrical performances in San Francisco, Chicago, and New York City.
Visiting California's First Theatre offers a unique glimpse into the past, where the echoes of early performances still resonate within its walls. As you step into this historic venue, you are transported back to a time when the spirit of community and creativity brought people together, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and theatre lovers alike.
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