From Historical Rutland: an illustrated history of Rutland, Vermont, from the granting of the charter in 1761 to 1911 by Rev. F. E. Davison, Rutland, Vt.: P.H. Brehmer, 1911, page 55:
Opera House
Up to the year 1869 the town hall was used for public gatherings in the village. In that year the Ripley Music Hall was built by William Y. Ripley. This building was used for public gatherings until it was destroyed by fire in 1875. It was not until 1881 that the present Opera House was erected by Gen. E. H. Ripley, on the site of the burned structure. It was dedicated in October, 1881. The interior was designed and finished under the architectural direction of J. J. R. Randall, of Rutland.