History of The Wareham

The history of the Wareham begins well more that 100 years ago.  Manhattan businessman H.S. Moore built a wood and stone theater on the site in 1884 and named it The Coliseum.  In 1893, Harry P. Wareham purchased the building, installed electricity and renamed it The Wareham Opera House.  In 1910, the structure was enlarged and remodeled with the current facade.  In 1911 a screen was installed in front of the stage and the Wareham became the second theater in Kansas to show movies.  The Wareham remained one of Manhattan’s main movie theaters until 1986.

A new model for doing business was created in 1988, when the premanent seating was removed and the slanted theater floor was constructed into different levels.  It was in 1988, when The Wareham became an event center.

December 2005, businessman Darrell M. Hills II and his wife Molly Hills purchased the Wareham and started renovations to update the building, while still keeping the beautiful history of the building alive.

Perhaps no image better represents Manhattan and Poyntz Avenue than the towering  Marquee of the Beautiful Wareham Opera House.

Wareham Opera House Timeline

(Courtesy of the Riley County Historical Society)

1884 – H.S. Moore builds The Coliseum, a wood and stone structure with a 30-by- 45 foot stage and seating for 900.

1893-   Harry P. Wareham buys The Coliseum for $10,000, installs electricity and renames it The Wareham Opera House.

1910-   The Wareham Opera House is renovated and enlarged.  The new structure features the current facade.

1911-   A screen is installed and the Wareham becomes the second theater in Kansas to show movies.

1915-   H.P. Wareham spends $12,000 on further renovations.

1938 -  The theater undergoes extensive remodeling and reopens as a movie theater.  The current marquee is installed.  Nephew to H.P., Harry K. Wareham, is the manager and the theater becomes a part of the Commonwealth Amusement Company.

1939-  H.P. Wareham Dies

1986 -  The Wareham Theater closes.

1988-  The Wareham reopens after more renovation.  The floor is leveled and permanent seating removed.  The property is controlled by a joint venture between McCullough Development and the Wareham family trusts.  Jim McCullough is the new property manager.

2005 – Darrell and Molly Hills purchase the theater and restoration and remodeling begins.