Bardavon 1869 Opera House

The Bardavon began as the Collingwood Opera House, built by the British-born merchant James Collingwood for Poughkeepsie. Its inaugural performance took place on 1 February 1869, following construction on land formerly used by his coal and lumber business. The theatre welcomed performers including John Philip Sousa and Isadora Duncan and served as a setting for civic gatherings. Renamed the Bardavon in 1923, it adapted to vaudeville and cinema as well as live productions. A Wurlitzer theatre organ was installed in 1928. Community efforts saved the building from demolition in the 1970s and established its renewed identity as the Bardavon 1869 Opera House.