The Opera House added culture to Hanford and Kings County. This was the aim of some English Families in 1893. It was part of the Kings Hotel, the tallest building in town at that time. The Opera House had seven hundred seats and the charming decor of the that period. It was the center for musicals and stage entertainment for many years, and enriched the social life of Hanford.

Kings County was formed the same year that they built the Opera House. The county had no courthouse or funds, and used temporary office space there. The top floor burned in 1929. The building restored and named the Whilton Hotel.

During the 1980's, a developer bought the Whilton Hotel and converted it over into a thirty-four unit apartment building for senior citizens. Today the age limit has been lowered, and they rent apartments to single adults. The building was not suitable for families.

Since the early days of Hanford, Peden's Cafe, Peter Pan Restaurant, and the Bartholomew Drug Store have all been tenants of the Opera House. Stop by and see the Opera house on the corner of Seventh Street and Irwin Street.

• Ride Amtrak to Historic Hanford - Amtrak reservations: 800-872-7245
• Ride to and from your destination on our 1950 Studebaker Fire Truck
• Take an escorted walking tour with a Show-Off Tour Guide
• Ride the antique Carousel - reservations: 559-582-5024