1

With the growth in population, the City's social and cultural sector grew to host a wide array of activities to occupy the resident's time. Life at the turn of the century was often difficult at best, and people sought activities that relieved them of their daily working lifestyle. Various forms of entertainment were organized and many of these events were held in the Trail Opera House (also known as the Hanna Opera House). Built around 1897, it was the scene of many gala balls, traveling minstrel shows, plays and other community social events.

2

Cedar Avenue in downtown Trail, showing Hanna Opera House
1910
Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Trail City Archives

3

Special themes were an added attraction to make an evening a special one for celebrants. The Colombo Lodge regularly held masquerade dances in the Colombo Hall in the Gulch.

4

Colombo Hall
16 February 1926
The Gulch, Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Trail City Archives

5

Moving pictures appeared in Trail before 1920. The first silent films were shown in the Star Theatre located on Bay Avenue.

6

Interior of the Star Theatre between Spokane and Helena Streets in downtown Trail
Pre-1920
Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Trail City Archives

7

After the Opera House was torn down, the Liberty Theatre on Cedar Avenue became the scene of Trail's musical and dramatic events.

8

Trail Opera House, or Liberty Theatre
Circa 1950
Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Camera Crafts
Trail City Archives

9

Other theatres were soon built as movies gained in popularity. Trail's theatres, along with the Liberty, include the Rialto, the Rio and the Strand.

10

Site of original Liberty Theatre, then Strand Theatre, Cedar Avenue, Trail
1940-1950
Cedar Avenue, Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Trail City Archives

11

Trail has been very music conscious over the years and good music has always been appreciated. Many excellent musicians played in both the marching and dance bands that were organized, and others in local orchestras.

12

The Serenaders
1924
Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Trail City Archives

13

Concerts were held regularly and the bands participated in parades and at special events on the Dominion Day and Labour Day holidays. The Italians and Scottish were excellent musicians and both communities had a variety of bands to their credit.

14

Trail Maple Leaf Band, Tito Allega, Maestro
1930s
Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Trail City Archives