The Opera House

The Vernon Center Opera House was dedicated in 1911 and provided many years of enjoyment for the community.   As late as the 1950's it was a source of entertainment.   Many of the events held there showcased the talent of local people.   Some of the productions were quite extravagant!   Jim Cornish stated that the school used the Opera House for Physical Education, since it was the only building in town with a gym.  Apparently there was a balcony that the boys liked to sit in, which Jim says was "pretty cool".   The following article was published in the Vernon Center News sometime in the early 50's and is provided by Michelle Negaard:

The winner at last Saturday night's "Talent Hunt" at the Vernon Center opera house was Miss Phyllis Nelson of Lake Crystal.  Miss Nelson is a sister of Mrs. C. Dean Brown of our village and is a sophomore at the Lake Crystal high school.  Her piano solo was awarded first price of $5.00.

Second prize was given to Sharon Cornish, young daughter of Wesley Cornish of Vernon Center.   She sang a popular number accompanied by her father on the guitar.  $2.00 was the second prize.

Other contestants included Norman Ruthenbeck, vocal solo; Donnie Balfer, vocal solo; Donna Jean Balfer (aged four years), vocal solo; Wallace Schwarz, trumpet solo; Inez Murrain, piano solo; Sue Gustafson, piano solo; and Jean Miller, accordion solo.

It was no easy task for the three judges to select the two winners.  All those in attendance and there was a good crowd present, agreed that all the numbers were of a high quality and were deserving some kind of a prize.  Three numbers were forced to cancel out on the last minute because of sickness and other reasons.

David Langworthy acted as master of ceremonies and did an outstanding job of introducing the contestants.  Following the program, community singing was led by Rev. A.R. Nygaard while the judges made their selections.  Refreshments were served at the close of the evening's entertainment.

(Sharon believes this was the time she sang "The Dear John Letter".    Wes played the guitar.  Dean Putrah portrayed the mail man who delivered the letter and Don Wester portrayed the G.I.
According to Sharon, it was quite a production!

The song was popular during the Korean War and popularized by Jean Shepard and Ferlin Husky in 1953 as well as Red Sovine.  It was re-introduced by Pat Boone in the 60's.  I had hoped to find a midi file of the tune and have it play in the background.  What I did discover, is that this tune is described as one of the "lost hits of the 50's!  I could not find the tune, but did find the words (I hope!).  I thought it might be fun to post them here.  Maybe we can get Sharon and Wes to perform it for us sometime!  It's only been 50 years and now they have the words!)

A DEAR JOHN LETTER

Dear John, Oh, how I hate to write
Dear John, I must let you know tonight
That my love for you has died away like grass upon the lawn
And tonight I wed another, Dear John.

(Recitation)

I was overseas in battle when the postman came to me
And he handed me a letter, I was happy as I could be
For the fighting was all over and the battle had been won
Then I opened up the letter and it started, "Dear John."

(Chorus)

Dear John, Oh, how I hate to write
Dear John, I must let you know tonight
That my love for you has died away like grass upon the lawn
And tonight I wed another, Dear John.

(Recitation)

Will you please send back my picture, my husband wants it now
When I tell you who I'm wedding, you won't care, dear, anyhow
Now the ceremony has started and I'll wed your brother Don
Will you wish us happiness forever, Dear John?

(Chorus)

Dear John, Oh, how I hate to write
Dear John, I must let you know tonight
That my love for you has died away like grass upon the lawn
And tonight I wed another, Dear John.

(I am told by a good source that Sharon once sang the tune that is playing in the background....Mockingbird Hill)