Built in 1886 by millionaire cattleman R.E. Stafford, the Old Stafford Opera House had a stately interior that seated 1,000 and featured gas-burning chandeliers and an elaborate hand-painted curtain. Its architect, N.J. Clayton, designed many opulent Texas buildings. The opening performance, "As in a Looking Glass," starred the famous Lillian Russell. Magician Houdini also appeared here, along with other prominent entertainers, and on performance days special trains ran from distant towns.