Camden Opera House

The Camden Opera House was built in 1894, and was once the tallest building in Knox County. The massive building was also home to several businesses and a businessman’s club. Willis Carleton, a lifelong resident of Rockport decorated the interior, including stereo relief gold and white on the stage arch, balcony front, and loge boxes. The auditorium itself measures 36 feet by 33 feet and boasted a kitchen, ticket office and checkroom to the left of the main landing; on the right were individual rooms. Opening night, June 6, 1894 featured the Boston Opera Company’s performance of “Maritama,” a grand ball with music by the company orchestra, and dessert in the Banquet Hall. W.P. Gould waited in line for three hours to have the honor of buying the first ticket. Camden’s first town meeting was held here in 1895.