Samuel H. Watson, a pioneer Vinton banker, built Watson's Opera House in 1870 at a cost of 20,000 to 25,000 dollars. It seated 800 persons and featured live performances in drama, music, and comedy, serving as the center of entertainment for the Vinton community. Playbills advertised performers including Miss Ida Van Courtland in a repertoire of high class plays and comedian John Dillon in “Wanted, The Earth,” with reserved seats offered for sale in advance.