Wright Opera House

Wright Opera House is a Michigan historical marker in Alma, Gratiot County, dedicated 2026.

Gratiot County · dedicated 2026 · 408 N. State Street, Alma

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In 1876 Ammi Wright (1822-1912) purchased this property after a fire destroyed his general store. Wright and his brother-in-law, George Barton, opened the Barton and Company general store in one of the building’s five storefronts in 1880. The Opera House occupied the two upper floors. Wright announced the founding of Alma College there in 1886. After 130 years of commercial use, the building was heavily damaged by fire in 2010. Alma College rehabilitated it for student use in 2012.

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Marker data: Michigan History Center
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Wright Opera House

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