Come Enjoy Our Offerings! Wine & Dine!
Sip local craft beer!
Enjoy our superb wings!
Enjoy our superb wings!
Tap beer and canned local favorites are our specialty!
Enjoy our superb wings!
Enjoy our superb wings!
Enjoy our superb wings!
Jumbo and juicy, our wings are sure to dazzle your taste buds and fill your tummy!
Try A Special Cocktail!
Enjoy our superb wings!
Try A Special Cocktail!
A vast selection of spirits of all sorts can be found here. With over 100 different bottles in stock, we can surely create the cocktail of your dreams!
Don't Get Stuck In The Now!
Embrace Some History!!
The Opera House was built in 1894 by Columbus L. Pettengill, an area lumberman. The second floor of the building, then known as Pettengill Hall, was a place where people gathered for functions from vaudeville, revivals, town meetings and church services, high school plays and high school graduation ceremonies! It was also home to a general and clothing store in the bottom floor and a barber shop!
In around 1907, a large back section was added to be a residential quarters and to add more business space and was attached directly to the original building. It was just two stories tall initially but within a couple years, an additional 2 stories were added, making the addition a 4 story structure. The basement housed a 2 lane bowling alley, the first floor was a feed and grain store which also featured other farming necessities. The second and third floors were the house which had 7 bedrooms. One on the second floor and 6 on the third.
In the 1920's, the second floor of the main building was converted to a movie house and silent films began to play. Folks came from all over to check out what was, at the time, a state-of-the-art center with many new offerings that no one had ever before experienced! Someone would sit at the piano in front of the stage a play music that coincided with the films to show excitement and engage with the audience as at the time, films were silent with no dubbed audio of their own.
More History
In the latter part of the 1920's, audio began to be dubbed into the films and transition away from silent films took place. The theatre was then given a fairly basic audio system to display the sound. From a room in the back corner of the theatre, a person was in charge of maintaining the volume and the fading of the audio.
The theatre continued this same use until the late 1960's when it was closed for good. The family was faced with new regulations and limitations that made it almost impossible to continue the use of the theatre. Given their age, they decided to not invest in the modernization required and to close the theatre.
The building stayed in family ownership until the 1980's when a Knapp couple from Alaska came to town and took an interest in purchasing it. They soon bought the building and named it The Island Falls Opera House as a tribute to the idea of what the building had in it's history! They opened an appliance store in what was the old general/clothing store on the first floor. They operated the store for a few years and intended to reopen the theatre but were never able to make that happen.
They updated the heating systems and made some preservations to the building that surely helped to keep it intact for many more years to come! They were also the successful applicants that got the building it's listing on the National Register of Historic Buildings, a branch of The National Park Service! This recognition allows for certain preservation activities to take place without the necessity of completely modernizing everything to present day code and requirements.
The Knapps later sold the building back to the Pettengill family and they held ownership of it until the mid 1990's when a lady from Southern Maine named Agnes purchased it from them with a dream to revive it herself.
A bit more history and some recent news!
Agnes lived in the main residence and invested a lot of money into the building during her time of ownership. Her dream to reopen the theatre was never met but she was a vital part of the building's continued life. She had all the windows replaced, enclosed porches built all the way around the building which helped keep the weather away. She had the building completely insulated and vinyl siding and trim installed throughout! She also had the old knob and tube wiring removed and new modern circuit breakers and wiring installed throughout.
Agnes was an elderly lady by this time and she became unable to live alone here and eventually went into a nursing home. The building was sold a time or two more after her departure. Each person having some kind of plan to do something great with the place, but no one ever was able to get anything off the ground. The last person to own the building before we purchased it, owned it for around 15 years, of which all of those, the place sat vacant.
Explore The Island Falls Opera House!
Our Family & Desire To Preserve This Building
The Hartin Family, proud locals born and raised in this very area, took a leap of faith in December 2020 amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by acquiring The Opera House. Despite the uncertainties of the time, we believed that pursuing our dream was a risk worth taking.
Growing up in the neighborhood, the Opera House had always intrigued us from afar, its doors holding mysteries waiting to be unveiled. Although it had been closed for many years, remaining a locked secret since before our own time, we were eager to finally explore its hidden treasures.
At first, we did not have any immediate plans for the property other than turning it into our family home, as I was already occupied with my HVAC business and had little time for new ventures. Those initial months were spent cleaning out the accumulated items left behind over the years, with most historical artifacts already sold off. Following the thorough cleanup, the focus shifted towards renovating and modernizing the building, including painting, refinishing walls and trim, as well as addressing heating and plumbing issues essential for turning the space into a livable residence.
Uncovering burst pipes caused by the neglect of the boiler and water system in the residential section due to exposure to the harsh cold winters without proper heating only highlighted the extent of the repairs needed to restore the Opera House to its former glory.
Creation of Inn Rooms
By the spring of 2021, the Opera House was finally ready for us to move in. As summer approached, we had settled comfortably into our new home and found ourselves with some spare time to expand our projects within the building. Our attention turned to completing the renovations in the old office space adjacent to the former general store area, envisioning it as a cozy rental unit for short-term stays, akin to a boutique hotel suite. With ample space available, we saw an opportunity to not only increase the property's value but also generate additional income to sustain itself.
By mid-summer, the finishing touches were put in place, and we eagerly opened the newly transformed room to guests, launching our listing on Airbnb to start welcoming visitors immediately.
Buoyed by the success of our initial venture, we decided to further capitalize on the building's potential by adding another rental unit the following year. This time, we focused on revamping the old barber shop, creating a more simplistic accommodation option without a kitchen, reminiscent of a traditional hotel or motel but with our own unique flair. Incorporating nostalgic barbershop decor and signs to honor its history, we retained the original wainscoting and trim, restoring them to their former glory through refinishing and adding fresh touches like new sheetrock, paint, and lighting. Today, this charming space stands as one of the most captivating places for guests to experience, boasting a blend of history and modern comfort.
The Lounge Vision
As of 2022, we are seeing everything come together at the property. The two rental units are performing well, and our interactions with guests have sparked discussions about further opportunities. After numerous conversations and brainstorming sessions, we decided to revamp the old storefront in the main building into a rental venue for events and gatherings to be rented out to the public.
We spruced up the space by painting the trim, repairing walls and shelving, installing a restroom and sinks, and setting up a counter area behind a bar. We adorned the area with wall sconces, a new tin ceiling, and pendant lighting, giving the place a radiant glow. Once the renovations were complete, we invited local friends to experience and share the space. It quickly became clear that the ideal use for the area would be a neighborhood pub lounge, which would complement the existing rental rooms where we host our guests.
We began reaching out to contacts, making plans, engaging with the town, planning board, and code office, and developing a business model while applying for licenses and inspections. In approximately six months, we received full clearance to open! On April 1st, 2023, we proudly opened The Opera House Lounge, marking the first operational business in the building in over three decades.
After the lounge's successful launch, I continued to run my HVAC company until around October 2023, when I made the decision to sell the business and focus my efforts entirely on The Opera House. Managing both the lounge and inn rooms kept me fully occupied, and we harbor aspirations of opening the theatre someday. We are deeply passionate about this place and are determined to showcase the building's fullest potential.
New Lounge Offering!
A Spark of Life & Renewed Use!
Purchase Opera House Hoodies & Shirts!!
A Spark of Life & Renewed Use!
A historic town structure was slipping into a sleepy state of despair. A local family took a chance to save her! Things started happening and coming together! A new life was given to the magnificent old building! Come, witness and help with the continuation of progress and bringing the place back to it's fullest potential!
Pub Lounge on Site
Purchase Opera House Hoodies & Shirts!!
A Spark of Life & Renewed Use!
We have a fully stocked bar and food selection available for folks to enjoy while here! Local craft beer on draft, wines, spirits of all sorts! The best selection anywhere around!!
Purchase Opera House Hoodies & Shirts!!
Purchase Opera House Hoodies & Shirts!!
Purchase Opera House Hoodies & Shirts!!
Opera House hoodies and tee shirts are available! Please, purchase one to help save the theatre!
Made of the finest quality materials!
Call 207-694-2740 or email ifoperahouse@yahoo.com with your request and we will gladly arrange for pickup or mailing of your order! T-Shirts are $28.50 plus tax, hoodies are $55.00 plus tax! Shipping is $12.00.
New Life Is Found!
The Island Falls Opera House is the most iconic landmark building in town and was built in 1894. It has witnessed numerous historic events and is a must-visit location!!
In Reach of Baxter & Katahdin Woods & Waters!
Private Queen Room With Private Bath!
Call 207-694-2740 to book!
Rates $95 to $115 per night!
Need a longer stay? Week? Weeks? Month? Months?
We offer DEEP discounts for longer stays!
Call or email for special rates!
We are an excellent base camp when working away from home!!
Room features free Wi-Fi and cable. Mini fridge with freezer. Microwave oven. Toaster and coffeemaker. Table and chairs. Big cozy chair for relaxing and watching the 48" flatscreen!
Click below for more room photos and details!!
Private Queen Room With Private Bath & Kitchen!
Call 207-694-2740 to book!
Rates $115 to $150 per night!
Need a longer stay? Week? Weeks? Month? Months?
We offer DEEP discounts for longer stays!
Call or email for special rates!
We are an excellent base camp when working away from home!!
Room features free Wi-Fi and cable. Mini fridge with freezer. Microwave oven. Toaster and coffeemaker. Oven with range top. Table and chairs. Basic cookware and dishes, cups and other kitchen items!
Click below for more room photos and details!!
Adopt a Seat Fundraiser To Save The Theater!!
Our Theatre Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit!
Our Theatre Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit!
Our Theatre Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit!
210 Seats sit vacant and unused here at The Island Falls Opera House Theater! It is our ultimate goal to restore, repurpose and revitalize the space! A place for local school children to come and engage in theatre and music creativity, a place for social gatherings for townsfolk and those with an interest in spending time here! All act
210 Seats sit vacant and unused here at The Island Falls Opera House Theater! It is our ultimate goal to restore, repurpose and revitalize the space! A place for local school children to come and engage in theatre and music creativity, a place for social gatherings for townsfolk and those with an interest in spending time here! All activities held in the theatre will be non-profit in nature and will only serve to provide repairs and create a sustainable environment of creativity and enjoyment for the community!
Our Process!
Our Theatre Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit!
Our Theatre Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit!
Each seat in the theater is up for adoption! Do you wish to have your name on a seat? To memorialize a friend or family member here? We now have an opportunity for you or your memorialization to be a permanent part of this building and theatre! Your seat will be extended to you or a family member's use during any function held here in the future!
Adoption and Memorialization!
You Can Also Purchase An Opera House Hoodie or T-Shirt!
You Can Also Purchase An Opera House Hoodie or T-Shirt!
For $150 per seat you can adopt as many as you wish! Each seat will feature a plaque attached to it's reverse with your name or your memorialization mentioned on it!
Your seat will be available for you or a family member to use during functions here in the future and you will not have to pay entry fees for any event, ever!
To adopt please
For $150 per seat you can adopt as many as you wish! Each seat will feature a plaque attached to it's reverse with your name or your memorialization mentioned on it!
Your seat will be available for you or a family member to use during functions here in the future and you will not have to pay entry fees for any event, ever!
To adopt please email ifoperahouse@yahoo.com or call 207-694-2740! It takes 2-3 weeks for the plaque(s) to arrive after ordering and if possible you are able to come and choose the seat you wish to choose! If you cannot be here, we will choose one for you and send you a picture of your adopted seat(s) once the plaque is installed!!
You Can Also Purchase An Opera House Hoodie or T-Shirt!
You Can Also Purchase An Opera House Hoodie or T-Shirt!
You Can Also Purchase An Opera House Hoodie or T-Shirt!
Our high quality hoodies and t-shirts are made right here at The Opera House! A repurposed ticket booth is now a lively shirt production area! You can pick one up at The Lounge or order online and have shipped to your door! What better way to help us fundraise for the theatre and get a piece of us to carry with you and proudly display
Our high quality hoodies and t-shirts are made right here at The Opera House! A repurposed ticket booth is now a lively shirt production area! You can pick one up at The Lounge or order online and have shipped to your door! What better way to help us fundraise for the theatre and get a piece of us to carry with you and proudly display your support for the vision!! $55.00 plus tax for hoodies, $28.50 plus tax for t-shirts! $12.00 shipping. Call 207-694-2740 or email ifoperahouse@yahoo.com to order!!