If Walls Could Talk

Mayville, New York

Adelbert B. Swetland was born January 18, 1865 on a farm in Chautauqua County where he lived until 1890 when he traveled to New York City and began working with his brother, H.M. Swetland who was with the Power Publishing Company.  The company produced several important trade magazines.  Returning in 1901, he became the owner of several parcels of real estate.  Among his purchases he bought and built what was considered one of the best business blocks in the area, the Swetland Opera House Block. 

The Swetland Opera House building was completed in 1902 with a flat floor and 700 seats which included a balcony. There would be plays, lectures, vaudeville shows, dances, political meetings, church services, home talent shows and many other community activities.

On September 17, 1902 the Mayville firemen held their annual parade. During the day  firemen served ice cream and popcorn at the new Swetland block until 9:00 when the grand dance reception commenced.  Those who attended the dance were given the opportunity to view the new Swetland block and were surprised to find that the county seat had such a fine building with a large and well-equipped opera house. Eventually, a third floor was added to the building. 

In 1907, silent movies came to the Swetland Opera House for the first time.  The Olson Brothers advertised their movie as being "the latest and the best".  Admission was 10 cents.  Motion pictures at that time conveyed their plots mainly by pantomine.  Eventually, audiences stopped coming after the novelty wore off though vaudeville productions continued.

In 1914 under Black and Rohn, silent movies returned to the opera house.  A promotional advertisement stated "Elaborate movies are being made for the production of High-Class Photo Plays projected by the best picture machine manufactured.  Remember, this is the only amusement house at the head of Lake Chautauqua and will furnish entertainment for all points of interest on the lake as well as the surrounding towns." 

On May 31, 1951 the Jamestown Post-Journal reported that "The Mikado" of Gilbert and Sullivan will be presented Sunday and Monday at the May Theater.  It stirred up old memories of famous names in American theater who once trod the boards of the former Swetland Opera House such as Mary Pickford.  A photo accompanying this article shows a movie poster featuring selections in 1938 when the name was the Carlson Theater.  It later became the May Theater around 1949 when it was purchased by the famous movie moguls, the Blatt Bros. who also owned the Grand Theatre in Westfield NY.

On July 9, 2023 I was given the opportunity to tour the former Swetland Opera House with tour guide, Luke Nickerson son of Trevor and Barb Nickerson who are now the current owners.  During the tour Luke pointed out a brick stage wall which still bears faded posters of past productions.  Part of the restoration includes an an original tin wall the Nickersons plan to keep intact.  They look forward to bringing life back to the Swetland Opera House located on South Erie Street because it has been part of Mayville's history since the early 1900s. 

 

Luke in one of the beautifully renovated apartments.

Trevor and Barb Nickerson are hoping to have the building listed on the national historic registry and to acquire State grants. 

"We hope that this project will facilitate the interest in the village of Mayville.  We hope to create a space that is interesting for people to see.  We hope to bring back the history so it doesn't get lost.  We ultimately would like to create a destination spot for both the building and the village of Mayville." 

Trevor Nickerson

"Trevor and I genuinely are community-minded. The restoration of the opera house not only preserves a piece of history, it breathes more life into the community.  I love the vision of people lining up to go to an event at the theater after having done some local shopping, eaten a great meal and then completing their outing with a good cigar or nightcap; the following morning, grabbing a cup of coffee with breakfast and relaxing with a good book before heading to the lake."

Barb Nickerson