However, in 1954, the town changed its name to Jim Thorpe to honor the great athlete of the same name who is now buried on the edge of town. It was originally known as Mauch Chunk and was one of the first coal boom towns in the United States. Jim Thorpe, PA is located in Carbon County in the Poconos region of the state. I’ve visited hundreds of amazing small towns in Pennsylvania, but few are as charming as Jim Thorpe, PA.
We will make a small commission from these links if you order something at no additional cost to you. One hundred and twenty years later, music lovers and theater goers still appreciate the intimate space and excellent acoustics of the Mauch Chunk Opera House.Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. Today, the Mauch Chunk Opera House once again is rising to its former glory as the jewel of the community and respected venue for live performance and cultural events. In 1975, the Mauch Chunk Historical Society of Carbon County purchased the building. The building was then purchased by Berkeley Bags Company, a pocketbook manufacturer, and used as a warehouse. In 1962, when the movie theater business was in decline, the Capitol Theater closed. For roughly the next three decades the Opera House became known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house. Then in 1927, the building was purchased by the Comerford amusement chain, who renovated extensively. Eventually, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old vaudeville circuit, with entertainers such as Al Jolson, Eddie Foy and Mae West gracing the stage. They could then attend top-notch performances right in their own town.
The affluent citizens of old Mauch Chunk (now Jim Thorpe) decided to foot the bill to build the Opera House themselves. The Mauch Chunk Opera House was designed by Addison Hutton, noted architect from Philadelphia, and originally housed a farmer's market on the first floor and concert hall on the second.
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