Getting to Know… Donna Bird, Executive Director of Mule Days – Part 3

Getting to Know… Donna Bird, Executive Director of Mule Days – Part 3

Last time we talked about Donna’s grandfather Harry Holland, a significant figure in Bishop, who was known for his diverse talents as an entertainer, businessman, and visionary. Born in England in 1882, he arrived in the United States with his family at the age of eight, settling in Texas. Despite a mysterious separation from his family at a young age, Harry and his brother managed to support themselves through odd jobs. Thought he had a limited formal education, Harry’s sharp mind and determination propelled him to success. He ventured into entertainment, mastering ventriloquism, juggling, drumming, and magic, and eventually traveled across the United States with a troupe. His journey led him to Bishop, where he opened the Gem Theater on Main Street, making a significant impact on the local entertainment scene.

The theater began to thrive, and the opera house was starting to feel the pressure of competition, so they invited him back to manage their place. This is where he really began to thrive. He packed up his movie equipment, and traveled up and down the roads showing movies to people who were unable to make it down to Bishop. At the opera house, he showed movies, hosted dances, and coordinated other community events for the area.

Fun Fact: One of the organizations that Harry was involved in was called The Good Roads of Inyo Valley Club. They hired Silas Christofferson to fly his bi-plane over Mount Whitney. After multiple attempts and after dropping the weight of Harry and his equipment, Silas finally made it over Mount Whitney.

In 1918, he purchased the opera house for eighteen thousand dollars. That same year, he married Donna’s grandmother Belle. Not only did her father give him permission to marry his daughter, but he also contributed for renovations for the opera house.

Soon after, tragedy struck and the opera house burned down, mostly likely due to the volatile nature of the nitrate film. He lost almost everything, which was a huge setback. But instead of giving up, Harry headed out to purchase new equipment, and within a couple months the theater was back up and running in a building down the street. It was one big screen originally. World War II was happening, so Harry started war bond dances and rallies at the theater.

Fun Fact: Harry’s motto was “The show must go on.”

Harry was big into promoting the community, something Donna is as well. Even in his later years and after a stroke, he would still go down and oversee the eventual renovation of the theater in Bishop. After Harry’s passing, there were a couple different owners of the Bishop Twin. Donna said “We are so fortunate to have Holly at the helm now, and she has done an amazing job helping with the new renovations.”

There is no doubt that Harry Holland has left a lasting impact on local history through his management of Bishop’s Opera House and the creation of the iconic Bishop Theatre, now known for its historic marquee and role as a vibrant hub for our little community.

Mule Days is May 21-26, 2024.  Be sure to catch Donna Bird on the newest “Get Real with Jesse Steele” podcast.

News Staff