04 WCHGT: The Messenger Opera house Traditional Cache

WCHGT caches were created as the 2016-2017 Leadership Wayne class project. We decided that we wanted to create a fun, educational, and adventurous way for families and friends to connect to the county in which they live. Therefore, the 50 caches connected to this trail will give you a glimpse of the PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE of Wayne County.

Some caches are micros, a few can hold a trackable, some are easy finds, and others prove to be quite difficult. All we ask from the Leadership Wayne class is that you enjoy the finds and learn something new about our wonderful county. Upon completion of the entire trail you will be able to collect your GeoCoin at the Wayne County museum after you have recorded your code words on the passport from each of the 50 locations.

The Messenger Opera House was located on the northeast corner of Chestnut and South Center streets. It was opened in December 1881 by Julius A. Bonitz. The top floor, which had a seating capacity of 900, hosted means of entertainment and events such as national touring companies, motion pictures, political debates, minstrel shows, musicals, plays and school commencements. The first floor housed prominent businesses as well as Goldsboro’s first bus station. Major William Uzzell & son of Thomas Wood Uzzell from 1920 to 1929. The theater in the opera house building entertained audiences until 1928, when its entrance was sealed after the death of its proprietor. In 1954, Hurricane Hazel damaged the building and it was reduced to a one-story structure.