After the center block was rebuilt following the fire of July 19, 1894, the City Opera House, not to be confused with the Grand Opera House, was located on the second floor of the Hoagland Building. Marshall Tegard was the first manager and he presented his first comedy there on December 22, 1894. The place later has been known as Michel's Hall and is used for carnivals, club meetings, dances and offices.
Play days have been held at various times, with varying programs, but the basic idea was to promote El Paso through fellowship and fun. The program of the third annual affair held August 18, 1900, included music by Spencer's Band of Peoria, a contest by the fire department, a riding exhibition, a ten-mile bicycle race, foot races, a ball game, a greased pig and horseshoe pitching contests.
The June 11, 1913 Play Day brought a crowd to El Paso which many thought the largest we ever had. A 100-mile automobile road race was the principal attraction, and the fact that one of the drivers was killed emphasized the danger of racing on the public highways.
The Play Day Parade, June 11, 1913.
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