Construction of the Fife Opera House began in 1898, and was completed in 1901. David Fife built the three-storied brick structure from oak lumber grown on the Fife farm south of Palestine. The bricks for the building came from Linton, Indiana, and Hutsonville, Illinois. The metal roof used for covering the 55 by 140 feet structure still remains. Mr. Fife first completed the ground floor where he operated a hardware business. The Opera House which was located on the second floor was finished in March 1901.

Inside the Opera House seating was available for 700 people. The house measured 55 feet wide by 70 feet long. A raked floor with a rise of 4 feet 3 inches from the first row to the last row allowed audiences to enjoy the entertainment. The red leather seats were arranged with a center section and two side sections. The audiences were cooled by electric fans and kept warm in the winter by a coal furnace. On opening night the lights in Palestine were dimmed when the lights in the new David Fife Opera House were turned on. Two light fixtures of the latest design hung from the ceiling, and single lights spaced at two feet intervals adorned the edge of the ceiling. The single lights around the ceiling remain today.
The stage was located on the west end of the house and was

designed with a proscenium arch opening. The opening measured 25 feet wide by approximately 15 feet high, and the front curtain rolled up and down. The arch was outlined with twenty-five lights. On each side of  the stage were two large paintings depicting river scenes.

Entertainment varied from stock shows, local talent shows, band concerts, a lyceum series, speakers, and commencements. It generally served as a hub for community activity.

With the help of donations, grants, and loans, the PPPS has completed some major structural repairs to the building. It is a goal of the Palestine Preservation Projects Society to restore the Opera House and again let it serve as a hub for community activity.

It is believed that five sets of scenery were originally painted for the Opera House. The scenery was painted by out-of-town artists named Samson and Lands. One set had been painted with cherubs; however, some of the town people felt the cherubs were scantily clothed and asked the artists to return and make them presentable for public viewing.

The Pioneer City Jr. Historian Club, under the direction of Carolyn Kelly, Palestine Grade School History Club sponsor, erected a sign on the corner outside the Fife Opera House. During the following year the Fife Opera House was placed on the National Historic Register through the efforts of members of the Palestine Preservation Projects Society and several other community members.

Since 1989 the Fife Opera House has played host to such events as a melodrama, debutante balls, a fashion review featuring fashions of
the early 1900's, as well as community activates such as the high school prom, school plays, a welcome center for an all-school reunion, and art shows.