Patricia Saunders - Medford

T his 1905 photograph of the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades of the city was taken at the Opera House on Friday, June 16th at 2:00 p.m. Over 1,000 children with banners flying and flags waving filled the auditorium in celebration of Medfords 275th anniversary. Mayor Dwyer gave a few words of welcome, and was followed by a program of entertainment. Afterwards, the schools sang Flag of our Native Land and Maryland! My Maryland. (Courtesy of the Medford Historical Society.)

T he Opera House was erected in 1886 in Medford Square. In the auditorium, plays, lectures, banquets, minstrel shows, town meetings, and even roller-skating workouts were hosted. It is said that the first moving picture show was presented here before the Medford Theatre opened on Salem Street in 1915. The building was destroyed by fire in November 1911. Today Medford Optical, Joes Fine Wine and Spirits, and the Lighthouse Caf occupy the first floor of the building.

S hown in this early 19th century photograph is an inside view of the Opera House as seen from the stage. A fire in 1911 destroyed most of the interior. The 1981 photograph shows what remains of the southeast section of the Opera House. It is particularly fascinating that this portion of the Opera House still stands. (Contemporary photograph by Michael Bradford.)

I n this vintage photograph, the view of the Opera House stage from the balcony can be seen. At the time, the building housed a soda fountain, clubrooms, and offices, and had a seating capacity of close to 1,000 patrons. The current photograph is a view looking south to the stage, with the proscenium arch visible. (Contemporary photograph by Michael Bradford.)

I n 1917, the Society Players Film Company was the third movie company to locate in the Wright Ponds area of North Medford. The company occupied the building once known as the Old Pest House on the corner of Elm Street and Aquavia Road. Today it is a private home. This vintage photograph was taken between 1884 and 1890. (Courtesy of Tom Convery.)

T he J. W. Gorman Boulevard Theatre was located on the corner of Fells Avenue and Fellsway West. During the early 1900s, this outdoor summer theater extended all the way down to the Haines Square area on Spring Street. It seated 1,800 people1,200 in 25 seats, 300 in 20 seats, and 300 in 10 seats and benches. (Courtesy of the Medford Historical Society.)

M any film companies were once located in North Medford. These companies included the Humanology Film Company on Fulton Street, Mastercraft Photoplay on Elm Street, Holman Day Movie Plant on Elm Street, Worthy Pictures Corporation on Elm Street, and Filmland City located by Wrights Pond. In May 1919, films were produced in both Los Angeles and Medford, and shown at the Medford Theatre. In 1921, a two-reel detective story, adapted from a Nick Carter novel, was the first film produced at Filmland City and starred Tom Carrigan. Over the years, financial problems and litigations caused the film industry in Medford to dissipate.