A Beacon of Entertainment since 1880

For over 143 years, the Wareham’s walls have echoed with the sounds of vaudeville acts, flickering films, and soul-stirring live music performances.

Now, it’s time to restore this cultural icon located in the heart of Manhattan’s downtown and usher it into a new era of entertainment.

1880

Built at 410 Poyntz Avenue, “The Coliseum” opened its doors as the premier entertainment hub in town. It was a 40’ x 70’ timber structure with a canvas roof that quickly became the go-to destination for vaudeville performances, exhibitions, and community gatherings.

Wareham Hall was once called the Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas.

1884

H.S. Moore purchased The Coliseum and transformed it into Moore’s Opera House. The new stone structure not only enhanced the city’s aesthetic appeal, but also provided comfort and convenience to its patrons. With a spacious stage measuring 30’ x 45’, a seating capacity of up to 1,000, and updated scenery, Moore’s Opera House marked a significant step forward for the local arts scene.

1886

Moore’s Opera House hosted a wide range of performers from operatic singers and comedians to magicians, astronomers, and even trained dogs and monkeys. Specifically in 1886, the opera house, furnished with gas lighting—an impressive feat at the time—hosted Professor Harry A. Kinney, who delivered a lecture on the wonders of electricity.

1887

Moore’s Opera House welcomed the influential suffragette Susan B. Anthony who delivered a lecture on equal rights for women. The Manhattan Republic reported that Anthony, once met with hisses in her early lecturing days, now commanded applause wherever she appeared. Her presence in Manhattan symbolized the evolving attitudes of the people toward her cause.

1893

After a series of trades, Moore’s Opera House was sold to Mrs. S. S. Wareham, Harry P. Wareham’s mother. Under the new management of her son Harry, the venue underwent significant improvements, including full electrification, that ensured a first-class experience for theatergoers. Harry P. Wareham was determined to make Wareham’s Opera House one of the finest in the state.

1900

Wareham’s Opera House marked a milestone by screening one of the first motion pictures in the state. The “Cinematoscope,” an extraordinary achievement in photographic science that offered life-like moving pictures and illustrated songs, was showcased at the opera house. The first film shown was the Fitzsimons-Jeffries glove contest, which captivated audiences with its realistic portrayal. As the venue continued to innovate, it solidified its position as a premier venue for cutting-edge entertainment

1908

By 1908, the opera house boasted a stunning electric sign, a high-quality phonograph, and a fireproof film operator booth, prioritizing audience safety. The introduction of these modern amenities marked the birth of The Electric, the second motion picture theater in Kansas. Audiences flocked to this dynamic space where they could experience the magic of both live performances and the silver screen.

1918

During World War I, the Wareham Theater became an essential source of news for the local community, showcasing films from leading filmmaker Pathé that connected residents with the realities of war. The power of film to bridge distances and foster community cohesion became evident within the walls of the theater.

1922

Harry P. Wareham’s nephew, Harry K. Wareham, assumed the management role of the theater. Notably, Harry K. became known as a propagator of sports media for the Kansas State Agricultural College, arranging for the first filming of a Wildcat football game. Fans who could not attend the game had the opportunity to watch the film at the Wareham Theater. This milestone marked the beginning of sports media coverage for the college.

1938

In 1938, the Wareham Theater underwent its most iconic renovation that introduced the neon sign, which has since become a recognizable symbol of the theater’s identity.

The renovation covered not only the front but also the adjacent buildings, creating a cohesive and visually stunning structure.

Though interior images from this time are scarce, it is believed that the remodel replaced the ornate finishes of 1915 with a streamline-moderne aesthetic that epitomized contemporary cinema design.

Wareham Hall - 1953 - Manhattan, Kansas

1951

Like the rest of the city, Kansas’ most devastating flood greatly damaged the Wareham Theater as the main auditorium was under five feet of water. Post-flood renovations and enhancements were swift and the theater’s grand reopening in September 1951 highlighted the community’s dedication to restoring the beloved cultural hub with enhanced amenities.
1951 Flood - Manhattan, KS

1986

After over a century of providing entertainment to community members, increased competition from the opening of a new mega-plex on the west side of Manhattan posed significant challenges. Despite valiant efforts, the theater fell into disrepair, and in September 1986, it screened its final film Aliens, starring Sigourney Weaver, before closing its doors indefinitely.

1988

In 1988, a partnership between the Wareham heirs, McCullough Development Inc., and Brent Bowman emerged, saving the historic space from impending blight and transforming it into a multi-purpose events venue.

2005

Darrell Hills purchased the building, maintaining it as an event venue hosting numerous events, concerts, and performances, even amidst failing infrastructure.

2022

Wareham Hall Inc. and the Wareham Hall Renovation Fund, both Kansas 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, were created to purchase and renovate the historic Wareham Opera House building. A collaboration with experienced architects, theater and acoustic consultants, preservation consultants, and the State Historic Preservation Office will ensure the renovations are appropriate, highly functional, and capable of accommodating a wide range of performances and events. By the winter of 2026, Wareham Hall will be a stunning, versatile, and state-of-the-art venue.