The First National African-American Opera House In The United States Is Right Here In Pittsburgh
By Beth Price-Williams|Published November 23, 2021
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Most people who drive past the majestic Queen Anne-style home on Apple Street in Homewood probably don’t give it a second look. After all, the once vibrant home, that holds a significant piece of Pittsburgh history, has fallen into disrepair, teetering on the verge of collapse. However, a group of Pittsburghers is racing against the clock to save the home of the National Opera House in Pittsburgh, to preserve its rich history, and to restore it for current and future generations.
The house on Apple Street in Homewood, back in its glory days, saw the comings and goings of some of America’s most prominent African-American musicians, celebrities, and athletes. Purchased by African-American millionaire and barber shop owner William Harris, and his wife Ada, in 1930, the home quickly became a hub of African-American culture.
During that period, African-Americans faced housing discrimination throughout the city, making it nearly impossible for visitors to the city to find a safe place to stay. The Harris family opened their home to many of those visitors, including such prominent African-Americans as Lena Horne and Roberto Clemente.
That hub of activity drew Mary Cardwell Dawson’s attention. A popular musician and teacher, Dawson rented the third floor of the home on Apple Street, using it as a headquarters for the National Negro Opera Company, the United States’ "first permanent African-American Opera House."
The National Opera House, as it has been known ever since, used the third floor for several purposes, including as an office and as a rehearsal space. Dawson, in fact, trained opera singers and founded opera guilds in cities all over the United States.
Eventually, the home on Apple Street would also face near-collapse. It remained in the Harris family for decades, even after Harris' death and the eventual passing of his wife, Ada. Under the ownership of the Bank of New York, the home fell into disrepair.
For years the home has faced the risk of being torn down by the city as it becomes less and less stable. However, hope entered the picture in 2000 when Pittsburghers Miriam White and Jonnet Solomon purchased the historic home.
Today, they, along with a dedicated team, are working hard to secure the funds necessary to save and restore the home of the National Opera House to its former glory for current and future generations. Both volunteers and donations are welcome.
Did you know the story behind the National Opera House in Pittsburgh? Join the conversation in the comments! If you’re a fan of the area’s rich history, you might also want to set off on the six best historical trails near Pittsburgh.
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