The tranquil beauty of Oakes Garden Theatre
Oakes Garden Theatre is located along the north side of Clifton Hill between Falls Avenue and River Road. It is the site of many concert functions and wedding party photography sessions throughout the year.
The Oakes Garden Theatre is built on the land which was once occupied by the Clifton Hotel.
The first Clifton Hotel was built in 1833 by Harmanus Crysler. It was opened for business in 1835. This hotel was destroyed by fire on June 26th 1898.
The site of the Clifton Hotel remained untouched until 1905 when the Clifton Hotel was rebuilt. This five storey structure was built in a "U" shaped form at the corner of River Road and Clifton Hill facing the American and Canadian Falls.
In 1899, the Lafayette Hotel was built along the north side of the Clifton Hotel adjacent to the bridge property.
On December 31st 1932, the Clifton Hotel was once again destroyed by fire. The fire started in the north wing and could not be controlled until most of the structure lay in ruins.
The beautiful gardens at Oakes Garden Theatre
Niagara Falls businessman, Mr. Harry Oakes purchased the site of the Clifton Hotel and the Lafayette Hotel.
Following the Clifton Hotel fire, the Hotel Lafayette located immediately to the north of the Clifton Hotel was also torn down.
In 1933, Mr. Oakes traded this parcel of land (measuring 460 feet by 330 feet) to the Niagara Parks Commission for a small tract of land just above the park. The property Oakes traded for is today located along the south side of Clifton Hill.
Oakes Garden Theatre was built as an amphitheater by the design firm of Dunington, Grubb & Stensson. The foundation walls of the old Clifton Hotel were included in the construction design.
The Pavilion and gardens at Oakes Garden Theatre provide a background for many weddings
Construction on Oakes Garden Theatre began on October 1st 1935. It was officially opened on September 18th 1937.
Rainbow Gardens are located beside Oakes Garden Theatre and is separated by a wide stairway. Rainbow Gardens are located surrounding the south side approaches to the Rainbow Plaza and the Rainbow Bridge.
The stage and amphitheatre at Oakes Garden Theatre
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Date last updated:
February 13, 2012
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