Hayward Opera House

The Hayward Opera House was on Sanborn Maps 1909 at Castro (now Mission Boulevard) and B Street.

The Oakland Tribune reported it was built in 1870 as winter quarters for Ringling Brothers Circus. After 52 years the Hayward Opera House faced demolition on February 23, 1922.

Let’s see the full story from the Oakland Tribune, February 23, 1922:

“After 52 years of first solitary glory, then deserted grandeur, the old Hayward Opera House is no more. Work was started today on wrecking Hayward’s first place of public amusement and entertainment to make way for Hayward’s latest and most modern theater which is to be constructed on the site of the old opera house by Charles Heyer, county supervisor and local businessman. The opera house, which stands on Castro near B street, was built in 1870 as a winter quarters for Ringling Brothers circus. Later it was used by visiting troupers and noted stars. Among others, Nanee O'Neil has played upon its stage. With the advent of moving pictures, Shakespeare and other spoken drama gave way to the silver sheet, and for years it was operated as a motion picture theater. The theater which will replace the famous opera house, however, will be recompense for the departure of the old building. It will be constructed in an L shape, with two stores and the theater entrance facing on Castro Street, with the theater paralleling Castro. On the second floor will be twelve offices. The theater, which will seat 1,000 people, will be of the old Mission style of architecture. Henry Meyers, county architect, is the architect for the new building”.

The new Hayward Theatre opened on the site in 1926.

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