McHaffey Opera House

01/04/2025

Eldon folks weren't just ringing in the new year by banging on pots and pans at midnight as they transitioned from 1915 to 1916. Here is part of the story that the Eldon Forum ran about some of the festivities.
NEW YEAR'S BALL IS GREAT SUCCESS. Big Event of the Season Takes Place in Structure Recently Dedicated. Eldon Lodge No. 1033, Loyal Order of Moose, gave their first dance in the new hall New Year's eve. Everybody who attended claims it was the nicest dance that has been given in Eldon for some time. The music was furnished by Eldon musicians and is pronounced excellent. The orchestra was composed of five pieces. Everything moved along in perfect order for which the management of the hall and the promoters of the entertainment deserve much praise. There was no rowdyism or drunkenness and everyone conducted themselves as ladies and gentlemen should. The hall was tastefully decorated in red, white and blue trimmings and evergreens adorned each chandelier. Neat letters, spelling "Happy New Year" were placed at one end of the hall. At about 3 minutes before midnight the house was darkened except for a moon, which was painted on canvas and placed high in one corner. Thus, the old year was ushered out and the new year was received by the dancers, who danced part of two years in one night.

01/01/2025

Wishing you all a Healthy, Happy, and Prosperous New Year--as did the Doc Fowler family in this 1950's Forum ad.

12/28/2024

Eldon Forum, Dec. 16, 1954--"Happy to see the Eldon Lions Club promoting the skating pond along the K.D. tracks again this year. This project is enjoyed by young and old alike in the community. Although the rink is nothing elaborate, it serves the purpose and seemed to be a big hit with everyone last year. When the ice is right, go out and have a good time skating and thank the Lions for still another project for the betterment and enjoyment of Eldonites. Thanks are extended to Russell Potts of the Rock Island railroad for permission to use the railroad right of way for the skating rink."
Does anyone remember this?
Unidentified photo courtesy of Fortepan Iowa.

12/25/2024

The McHaffey Opera House board members would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas! Enjoy your day!

12/21/2024

Many people in Eldon had the pleasure of meeting and experiencing the good humor of the jolly Mart Cox. This 1961 Forum article brings back memories of our local mail carrier. Click on the photo to read the article.

12/18/2024

Stocking stuffers, white elephant gifts, decorations and Christmas trees. These things are all available at McHaffey Opera House thrift sale. If you've tried all the big box stores and still can't find everything on your list, give the thrift store a try. You'll be amazed at the variety of items available.

12/14/2024

McHaffey Opera House thrift sale will be closed today because of the inclement weather. Hope you all can stay inside where it is warm and safe.

12/14/2024

Eldon Forum, Dec. 10, 1953. Dear Santa Claus: My name is Craig Baayen and I am five years old. I have a brother, Mark, four years. We go to the Congregational Sunday School every Sunday, and I have a sister, Connie, who is two. We have a big light of you and we hang it in our front window every night. That's so you won't miss our house Xmas Eve. I hope you could find a football outfit my size. I'm pretty big for five, 'course I'm almost six. I need a helmet, shoulder pads, pants, and a pump. I got the football. I need these because Jim Conrad is going to fix Oscar Sapp's vacant lot by Jim's house and put up lights so we can have night games and flood it this winter so we can ice skate. Mark wants a farm set, some records, books and paint set and a potato man. He doesn't like football because we tackle real hard. Connie likes it though. She wants a doll that closes its eyes and has real hair and a buggy, too, so she and Rita Zuehlke can play together. We boys are in the Sunday School Xmas program, if we can learn it. Hope we don't miss seeing you and please don't miss stopping at our house.
Lots of Love,
Craig Baayen

12/11/2024

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Holiday Hop last weekend. It was fun to see so many people on the streets of Eldon. ...seeing old friends and meeting new ones.
McHaffey Opera House thrift sale still has lots of holiday items for sale. We have decorations, home goods, and even items for gift giving. Come in and take a look. Monday thru Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon.

12/07/2024

Dec. 3, 1942, Star News--MAE WEBER GROCERY SOLD: New Owners Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Burkholder.
Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Burkholder of 421 First Street have purchased the Mae Weber Grocery located at Third & K. D. Avenue and became the new managers Monday, November 23. Both Mr. & Mrs. Burkholder are well known in Eldon, having been active in civic, social and business affairs for the last several years and have many friends here. Mr. Burkholder has been affiliated with the Johnston Oil Company for twenty years. The Mae Weber Grocery will in the future be known as the Burkholder Grocery where quality foods will be sold. Two deliveries will be made daily in Eldon for the convenience of the Burkholder Grocery patrons. Friends wish them success in their new enterprise.

12/04/2024

Time to dig out the warm clothes. You'll find a lot of cool...er warm...options at McHaffey Opera House thrift sale. Don't forget about the big celebration in Eldon this weekend. Several nonprofits have pitched in to show a free movie at the opera house on Friday night at 7 p.m. Saturday we will be having a bake sale, live music on the ground floor and complimentary snacks for you as you visit. See you there!

11/30/2024

Eldon Forum, Nov. 28, 1912--J. A. Bundy has been promoted from day record clerk to yard clerk. He called at the car foreman's office in hunt of tacks to place a placard in the yard office, "Please use no profanity here." Although Mr. Bundy is moralizing the occupants of the yard office, we are afraid he is on the decline himself, as he will say, "By Hockey" and "Darn" now and then.

11/29/2024

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Before you hang up the apron after cooking the feast, McHaffey Opera House needs your help. We will be holding a bake sale on Saturday, Dec. 7th, during Eldon's Christmas celebration. Would you donate some baked goods or candy for this event? Money generated from the sale will go to the maintenance and restoration of the historic opera house.
You can drop off your donations on Friday from 8 to noon or on Saturday morning. Thank you so much!!!

11/27/2024

The following is the tail end of a poem that was clipped from a newspaper and glued onto the pages of a book with an 1851 copyright. The book was purchased at Crow's auction house many years ago. Hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends. Remember to count your blessings!
Then comes Thanksgiving, when the fall work is done,
And we gather in the "old home," each and every one,
Thankful that we know enough to stay where we are
Than go to the city and live on city fare;
And we are thankful the Creator has made our country free,
And ours a land of plenty, enough for you and me.
And we are among the happy ones, all the world around,
In the fall of the year, when the frost comes down.

11/25/2024

11/23/2024

The November 22, 1956 Eldon Forum ran this incredible ad for Thanksgiving dinner at Whitey's.

11/20/2024

Lots of options at McHaffey Opera House thrift sale to help you get ready for Thanksgiving--extra china, flatware, serving pieces, linens, cookware, and decorations. Monday thru Saturday, 8 to noon.