The entire south portion of the building was devoted to entertainment and was referred to as the Academy of Music. The Academy of Music was opened Tuesday night, March 7, 1876 under the auspices of John T. Ford, when his company presented "The Big Bonanza."
The lower part of the structure was dedicated to entertainment and referred to as the Academy of Music. The Academy of Music commenced operations on a Tuesday night in March 1876 under the patronage of John T. Ford, when his company showcased "The Big Bonanza."