auditorium on the second, decorated with frescoes and stucco work, complete with a balcony and boxes as in a real opera house, and a big stage; on the top floor, a caretaker's apartment, a lending library, rehearsal rooms. The building cost a little more than $40,000, a big sum of money for those days. Building funds came from interest-free loans from members as well as from outright gifts, but a mortgage was also necessary.

The two-day dedication ceremonies included a cantata composed for the occasion by the club's choir director, Jukka Mäkirinne, and a performance of Goethe's drama, Clavigo. For this festive occasion, 800 tickets were sold in advance, with box seats going briskly for $25 each.

The Socialist Opera became the cultural center not only for Virginia's workers but for the entire mining region. There was activity there from morning to night, every day in the week

The auditorium in the Socialist Opera.

rehearsals, performances, meetings, lectures, socials, dances, exhibitions, bazaars, music and song. With a building this size, and a program so extensive, a permanent business manager was required to look after finances. For the first several years this position was filled by Arthur and Sigrid Johnson, and in addition, Mrs. Johnson was also one of the best actresses of the club's dramatic group. Later caretakers have included Gust Hallila, Otto Heikkinen, George Alfors (who also directed plays), Wiljo Laakso, Matti Niemi, and many others.

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