John Hodge erected the Hodge Opera House in Lockport NY . His Merchant's Gargling Oil was the biggest and most prosperous business in the city. Construction of the building began in 1871 with the arrival of 55 tons of Ohio sandstone by canal. This first Hodge Opera House was destroyed by fire on January 5, 1881. John Hodge was uncertain whether he should rebuild the opera house but the citizens of Lockport encouraged him and collected contributions totaling $7000 toward a new building. Hodge decided to rebuild but he refused to accept the $7000 donation. The opera house was rebuilt and the second Hodge Opera House was opened on Feb. 28, 1882. The rebuilt opera house hosted a memorial service for President William McKinley, who was assassinated in Buffalo in 1901.
John Hodge erected the Hodge Opera House in Lockport NY . His Merchant's Gargling Oil was the biggest and most prosperous business in the city. Construction of the building began in 1871 with the arrival of 55 tons of Ohio sandstone by canal. This first Hodge Opera House was destroyed by fire on January 5, 1881. John Hodge was uncertain whether he should rebuild the opera house but the citizens of Lockport encouraged him and collected contributions totaling $7000 toward a new building. Hodge decided to rebuild but he refused to accept the $7000 donation. The opera house was rebuilt and the second Hodge Opera House was opened on Feb. 28, 1882. The rebuilt opera house hosted a memorial service for President William McKinley, who was assassinated in Buffalo in 1901.
