BREATHING LIFE BACK INTO MARION’S HISTORY.
Originally owned by John Owens In the late 1870’s, the Owens Quarry Opera House was one of many small opera houses along the railways in Ohio which served as a social hot spot to watch big name entertainment. It was in the small village of Owens Station in Marion County, five miles south of downtown Marion.
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You’ll find the Owens Quarry Opera House still quietly nestled beside the railroad on Owens Road. Once sharing 600 acres of land with a quarry, train station, general store, post office, and employee housing–among others–the Opera House is one of the last original buildings standing on the now 27 acres of land today.
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In the 1970’s, Dennis Mattix and his wife, Donna, purchased the 27 acre portion of Owens Station. With a love for their land and its history, they have planted more than 7,000 trees around all of their architectural restorations to seem like you are stepping back in time. Many trails can be followed to find unique and unusual artifacts and structures in conjunction with the Opera House, such as a covered bridge, cabins, a small Indian mound, and more. Continuing their restorations at the farm, Dennis and Donna are in the process of building a mill with its own 10-foot-tall wheel, along with additions to their barn for their soon-to-be restored wagons.
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Although there are no regular hours of operation, booking group tours and celebrations at the Owens Quarry Opera House is always welcomed. With construction underway, the Mattix’s hope to have their restorations complete for a fall celebration for all to admire authentic pieces of Marion’s history.
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#MarionMade #WeAreHistory
