Owens Station and Opera House

In the 1860s, John D. Owens opened a quarry in western Pleasant Township at what is now the intersection of Owens and Gooding Roads. The business grew into a thriving company town called Owens Station, complete with over 20 homes, a general store, a post office, and an express rail station.

To entertain workers and their families, Owens built an opera house featuring a stage, a small orchestra pit, and a large coal furnace beneath the stage. Its location along the rail line made it a convenient stop for traveling performers. After closing in the late 1920s and later serving as storage, the opera house has been beautifully restored by Dennis and Donna Mattix.

Today, the Owens Station Opera House welcomes visitors for tours and private meetings, offering a unique glimpse into the history of this remarkable community.