West Virginia Historic Theatre Trail brochure

West Virginia Historic Theatre TrailThe West Virginia Historic Theatre Trail developed by the State Historic Preservation Office and Preservation Alliance of WestVirginia has been financed with a Preserve America grant. The program receives Federal funds from the National Park Service.Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin,age or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program activity or facility operated by arecipient of federal assistance should write to: Office of Equal Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington,DC 20240.This material is based upon work assisted by a grant from the Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Any opinionsfindings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are based on the author(s) and do not necessarily reflectthe views of the Department of the Interior.All historic theatres included in this trail are listed in The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).www.wvculture.org/shpo/shpoindex.aspx

Old Opera House204 N. George St., Charles Town, WV304.725.4420www.oldoperahouse.org1In 1910, Annie G. Packett raised $50,000 andemployed Washington, D.C. architects A.B. Mullett& Co. to construct the New Opera House. Designedin a classical revival style, this theatre includeda proscenium stage complete with fly-space forhanging scenery, an orchestra pit, a curved balconyand seating for 500 people. The theatre remainedopen through two wars, the Depression and theadvent of radio, but in 1948 its stage went dark. In1973 the building was donated to a local theatregroup and in 1976 the “new” Old Opera Houseopened to the public. The season now offers sixmain stage productions, a summer children’sprogram, art shows and classes in dance andacting. (Listed NRHP 1978)REGION 1 | EASTOld Opera House

2Apollo Theatre128 E. Martin St., Martinsburg, WV304.676.6386www.apollo-theatre.orgREGION 1 | EASTApollo TheatreIn 1913, the Apollo Theatre became the socialand cultural center for the Martinsburg area; builtby owner H.P. Thorn and designed by architectReginald Geare, notable for designing theKnickerbocker Theatre in Washington DC. Thisthree story, Classical Revival style building hasserved multiple purposes, from presenting motionpictures, plays, touring shows, such as vaudeville,music groups, singers and comics. The Apollocontinues to provide a venue for, classic films,community gatherings, such as weddings, parties,dances, etc., in addition to its 6 play season and aYouth Summer Theatre Workshop. Its most strikingfeatures are the repeated segmental arches overeach bay in addition to triple sash transoms; thebracketed cornice is also distinctive with a brickbalustrade above. (Listed NRHP 1979)

Star TheatreN. Washington St. & CongressBerkeley Springs, WV304.258.1404www.starwv.com3Built in 1916 as a car storage garage, this brickstructure was renovated and began showing filmsas the Berkeley Theater in 1928. The last majorrenovation in 1949 by the Alpine theatre chainincluded the notable marquee that truly “lights up”the downtown every weekend. Present ownershave kept the interior and exterior of that period.Known as the Star since 1977, this single screen,neighborhood movie house features one filmthat changes each weekend. One of the favoriteattractions is popcorn with real butter made in a1949 Manley popcorn machine. Today’s concessionroom, with the feel of a 1940’s parlor, served asthe town’s telephone exchange from 1937 to 1967.(Listed NRHP 2009)REGION 1 | EASTStar Theatre

4Old Brick Playhouse329 Davis Ave., Elkins, WV304.637.9090www.theoldbrick.orgREGION 1 | EASTOld Brick PlayhouseFormerly the Randolph Garage Company, circa1919, this late Edwardian style brick buildingis a contributing structure to the DowntownElkins historic district. In 1992, M&J Enterprisespurchased the building donating three quarters ofit to The Old Brick Playhouse Company, a newlyformed educational arts organization. Togetherwith the Elkins Area Community Theatre, thispartnership presents theatrical experiences andeducational opportunities for children and youththrough both local and touring programs. The OldBrick Playhouse also presents Vaudevillian styleentertainment similar to that found during the ageof the Silo Circuit popular during the railroad erain many small rural towns such as Elkins. (ListedNRHP 1995)

Randolph County Community ArtsCenter2 Park St., Elkins, WV304.637.2355www.randolpharts.org5Built in 1928, the former St. Brendan’s CatholicChurch, served the Catholic community until 1999.Walter F. Martens, the architect who designedthe Governor’s executive mansion in Charleston,designed the church using a Romanesque Revivalstyle. The building features locally quarriedsandstone blocks on the outside with a borderof stone relief angels around the entire building.In 2000, the Randolph County Community ArtsCouncil purchased the building, renovating andreopening it in 2001. The original nave has beentransformed into “The Great Hall,” retaining thebeautiful original lighting fixtures and religiousicons. The Arts Center hosts 16 exhibits, 24concerts and more than 100 art and music classeseach year. (Listed NRHP 2006)REGION 1 | EASTRandolph County CommunityArts Center

6The Landmark401 Main St., Sutton, WV304.765.7366www.landmarkstudio.orgREGION 2 | SOUTHThe LandmarkBuilt in 1886 as a Methodist Church in the Victorianstyle, the Landmark Studio for the Arts (LSA)retains the original 20 foot stained glass window,the woodwork and steeple. In 1988, a grass rootsarts group renovated the church to incorporate thestage and add two dressing rooms. Since 2003,a new roof, new lobby floors and front doors havebeen installed. There are plans to repair the mortarand windows. The community theatre group, whoowns the building, presents theatrical productionsand sponsors a youth troupe of students whoare mentored in dramatic arts and are provided aspace for their productions and activities. Openyear round for public programs; check website forschedule. (Listed NRHP 1987)

8Carnegie Hall105 Church St., Lewisburg, WV304.645.7917www.carnegiehallwv.orgREGION 2 | SOUTHCarnegie HallIn 1902 philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie andcommunity members built Carnegie Hall asa classroom and performance space for theLewisburg Female Institute. The structure wasdesigned by architects Barrett & Thompson in theGreek Revival style, characterized foremost byits Ionic order portico with pediment, shoulderedarchitrave trim, tall first floor windows and cornicewith dentils. In 1972 it closed and became partof the Greenbrier Center. Carnegie Hall, Inc. wasincorporated in 1983 as a not for profit arts andeducation center. A major restoration project wascompleted in 1997 with additional renovationscompleted in 2006. It is one of only four CarnegieHalls still in continuous use today and is part of theLewisburg Historic District. (Listed NRHP 1978)

Lewis Theatre113 N Court St., Lewisburg, WV304.645.6038www.myspace.com/thelewistheatre9The Lewis Theatre was designed in functional, postdeco style by R.L. Whitten, Architect, Charleston,WV and constructed in 1939 for presenting filmand “small” vaudeville. This two-story, longitudinallysymmetric theatre is built primarily of hollow, glazedterra cotta block, popular from about 1900 into the1930’s. The front was originally faced at street levelwith black Vitrolite slabs, shown in historic photosalong with the original marquee. The Lewis hasoperated continuously since completion, servingthe local community and visitors. The building isopen a half hour before films and by appointment.The Trillium Performing Arts is now the company inresidence. www.trilliumperformingarts.org (ListedNRHP 1978)REGION 2 | SOUTHLewis Theatre

10Fayette Theatre112 Court St., Fayetteville, WV304.574.4840www.historicfayettetheatre.comREGION 2 | SOUTHFayette TheatreThe Historic Fayette Theatre is located in arenovated movie house built in 1937. It is one ofthe few Depression era movie houses still in use insouthern WV. Visitors can view the original movieprojectors which remained in use until the 1960’s.The Fayette County Historical Society beganrenovation in 1992. Adorning the walls inside therenovated theatre are many paintings and piecesof art that depict life and entertainment from the1930’s era. The theatre stages ten performancesper year along with special nights by request. Thebuilding is open for tours on Fridays from late Mayuntil the third Saturday in October. (Listed NRHP1990)

REGION 1 | EASTWarner’s Drive-In | 11aHwy. 220/ Lee Dr., Franklin, WV304.358.3680Opened: 1953 Sound: FM (91.3)Capacity: 200 Cars Season: May - Sept.Screen: SingleREGION 3 | WESTMt Zion Drive-In | 11bSR 16, Mt Zion, WV, 304.354.9405www.mountziondrivein.comOpened: 1945 Sound: FM (91.5)Capacity: 200 Cars Season: May - Aug.Screen: SingleJungle Drive-In | 11c6600 Old St. Marys Pk., Parkersburg, WV304.464.4063Opened: 1953 Sound: SpeakersCapacity: 308 Cars Season: April - Oct.Screen: SingleREGION 4 | NORTHSunset Drive-In | 11dHighway 19, Shinnston, WV304.592.3909Opened: 1947 Sound: FM SpeakersCapacity: 400 Cars Season: May - Sept.Screen : SingleGrafton Drive-In | 11eUS Route 119, Grafton, WV304.265.1096Opened: 1949 Sound: SpeakersCapacity: 250 Cars Season: April - Oct.Screen: Single11WV HISTORICDRIVE-INS

Municipal Auditorium224-232 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV304.345.1500www.charlestonauditorium.com13The Auditorium is a monolithic concrete and steelstructure completed in 1939 as a Public WorksAdministration (PWA) project and designed by localarchitect Alphonso Wysong. The classic styling ofthe “Art Deco Grande Dame,” has a high level ofarchitectural integrity, enduring functionality andaffiliation with the New Deal-era. As Charleston’spremier playhouse, it is a venue for musical andtheatrical shows, concerts and other performances.The Auditorium has made a substantial and lastingcontribution to the area’s cultural heritage for sevendecades. Among its famous guests, PresidentHarry Truman “gave them hell” in a campaignspeech that was a live national radio broadcast onOctober 1, 1948. (Listed NRHP 1999)REGION 3 | WESTMunicipal Auditorium

14Keith-Albee Theatre925 Fourth Ave., Huntington, WV304.696.5436www.keithalbeearts.orgREGION 3 | WESTKeith-Albee TheatreIn 1928, after 14 months of construction, 550 tonsof steel, several million bricks, “high-tech” pipingand ventilation this opulent palace theatre beganas a vaudeville and movie picture house. ThomasLamb, the architect, far exceeded the initial$250,000 budget which soared to an eventual $2million sum because of the detail throughout thegrand structure. Lamb designed a theatre to seat3,000, making it second in size at the time only tothe Roxy in New York City. The theatre still retainsthe original Spanish evening decorative treatmenton the ceiling. The interior is gradually beingrestored to its original “atmospheric” style. Opento the public during events and by request. (ListedNRHP 1986)

Robey Theatre318 Main St., Spencer, WV304.927.1390www.robeytheatre.com15The Robey Theatre was built by Hamond Robey in1911 specifically for the exhibition of films. Robeymoved his theatre operations several times withinSpencer before he erected the 1911 building; hedecided to expand and remodel this theatre in thesummer of 1926. Completed by the architecturalfirm of Carmichael and Millspaugh, this $100,000remodeling, with the exception of a few later minorchanges, remains intact today. The remodeling,changed the facade and enlarged the stage andthe theatre was reopened with much pomp andceremony. In the late 1920’s the Robey was oneof the first theatres in the area to install soundequipment. It is open to the public at 7 p.m. 364days a year. (Listed NRHP 1989)REGION 3 | WESTRobey Theatre

16Alpine Theatre210 W. Main St., Ripley, WV304.372.1637www.alpinewv.comREGION 3 | WESTAlpine TheatreThe Alpine Theatre opened December 25, 1936.Admission was 25¢ per adult and 15¢ per child.Candy was 5¢; popcorn and soda were 10¢.Used as a movie theatre and for live shows, theAlpine is a good example of the Modern style. Itis a two-story, flat roof, commercial building with astepped parapet wall in the front. It has a red brickfacade and its marquee along with the lights. Thereis a central ticket booth flanked by the originalpaired doors. The original “coming attraction”poster frames are intact and are situated on thepilasters flanking the double doors. This buildingis in “as built” condition and vividly illustrates whatdowntown meant to many residents of Ripley.It is in the process of being rehabilitated and isnow used for concerts, movies, music, plays andworkshops. (Listed NRHP 2004)

Smoot Theatre213 Fifth St., Parkersburg, WV304.422.7529www.smoot-theatre.com17Originally a 1926 vaudeville house, various travelingshows performed here, including, in 1931, Singer’sMidgets of the Wizard of Oz. Warner Brotherspurchased the building in 1930 and converted it into amovie theatre. The company elaborately remodeledthe theatre in Art Deco style, with hand-cut Austrianchandeliers, beveled mirrors lining the walls, andmahogany and brass doors. The Smoot Theatrewas saved from the wrecking ball by volunteers in1989. The restoration of the building by volunteerswas based upon old photographs, drawings andthe memories of townspeople. The interior wasrepainted, using the original white, cream and goldpaint scheme, 1930’s era carpeting was selected,the chandeliers cleaned, and the marquee relit.The imposing Neo-Classical facade and brightly litmarquee are once again a centerpiece of downtownParkersburg. (Listed NRHP 1992)REGION 3 | WESTSmoot Theatre

18Metropolitan Theatre371 High St., Morgantown, WVwww.mettheatre.orgREGION 4 | NORTHMetropolitan TheatreIn 1924 the Metropolitan Theatre opened its doorsto the public as a vaudeville house designedby Charles W. Bates (#20 Capitol). The Neoclassicalrevival style features fluted concrete ionicpilasters with egg and dart detail and two smallerbrick pilasters and a concrete entablature withcircular medallions and “Metropolitan” engravedin the frieze. Only two years after the theatre wasestablished, a damaging fire melted the crystalchandeliers and damaged the high style interiordesign. After repairs and a new décor werecompleted, the theatre went on to host some ofthe most popular entertainers of the day. In 1990,a foundation acquired the building which is in theprocess of being historically restored. It is owned bythe City of Morgantown and is available for rent tothe public. (Listed NRHP 1984)

Tanner Theatre107 High St., Morgantown, WV304.292.3325www.monartscenter.com19Originally a federal building, this 1913 Neo-classicalstructure was donated in 1976 to be developedand maintained as a cultural center for MonongaliaCounty. In 1976 the Monongalia County Arts Centerwas chartered and after two years of planning anddevelopment was opened to the public. In 1979the Benedum Gallery was established. In 1981 theMabel DeVries Tanner Theatre was dedicated andis home to community theatre, featuring the M.T.Pockets Theatre Company, producing energetic,daring, avant-garde, cutting-edge theatre. In 2005the Robert M. Davis Gallery for Emerging Artistsopened on the Second Floor. MAC is open 11 a.m.to 7 p.m., Mon.-Fri., and Sat. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.(Listed NRHP 1979)REGION 4 | NORTHTanner Theatre

20 21Capitol Theatre1015 Main St., Wheeling, WV304.232.3087www.capitoltheatrewheeling.comREGION 4 | NORTHCapitol TheatreThe Capitol Theatre opened Thanksgiving Day in 1928at a cost of a million dollars. The architect, Charles W.Bates (1879-1928) specialized in fireproof buildingsmade with reinforced concrete. He designed this‘’marvel of harmonious beauty’’ in the Beaux Arts stylecharacterized by the arched windows, classical details,bas-relief panels, garlands, cartouche and balustrades.The Capitol has offered many brands of entertainmentand is one of the oldest and largest performance venuesin West Virginia. September 2009 the Capitol re-openedafter more than two years and again provides nationallytouring acts, locally produced performances, and theWheeling Symphony Orchestra. Also hosting for 35years, WV Jamboree, the second longest runningnational radio program, this grand Beaux-Arts theatre isstill the gem of downtown Wheeling. Check the websitefor programs. (Listed NRHP 1979)REGION 4 | NORTHVictoria Theatre

Victoria Theatre1228 Market St., Wheeling, WV304.233.7476www.victoria-theater.comTowngate Theatre2118 Market St., Wheeling, WV304.242.7700www.oionline.com22First opening its doors in 1904, VictoriaTheater is the oldest operating theater inWest Virginia. Located in the registeredhistoric market district of Wheeling, theVictoria is a 720 seat Victorian style theaterwith many Beaux-Arts design influences.In 1934 the Victoria Theater served fora short period as home to the WWVAJamboree. Today, the Victoria Theater, alsoknown as the Victoria Vaudeville servesas a venue for live acts, including an Elvisimpersonator, country, bluegrass, rock, andgospel music. (Listed NRHP 1979)Built in 1850 as the Zion Lutheran Church,Towngate was acquired by the Oglebay Institutein 1969 for use as a community theatre. The twostory Gothic, Greek and Italianate Revival stylebuilding has a façade with a central tower andlarge Gothic Revival windows. Early renovationsinvolved removing pews from the nave andreplacing them with theatre seats from an areamovie house. A stage replaced the altar area andthe church’s balcony became a lighting booth.Since then, the building has been upgraded andrefurbished with particular care to preserve itsarchitectural integrity. The theatre seats 166 andoperates year round with 10 theatrical productions,25 weekend movie screenings, 2 film festivals and5-6 unplugged music events. (Listed NRHP 1984)REGION 4 | NORTHTowngate Theatre

WEST VIRGINIA HISTORIC THEATRE TRAILREGION 1 | EAST1 Old Opera House2 Apollo Theatre3 Star Theatre4 Old Brick Theatre5 Randolph CountyCommunity ArtsCenter11a Warner’s Drive-InREGION 2 | SOUTH6 The Landmark7 Pocahontas OperaHouse8 Carnegie Hall9 Lewis Theatre10 Fayette TheatreREGION 3 | WEST11b Mt. Zion Drive-In11c Jungle Drive-In12 WVSU CapitolCenter Theatre13 Municipal Auditorium14 Keith-Albee Theatre15 Robey Theatre16 Alpine Theatre17 Smoot TheatreREGION 4 | NORTH11d Sunset Drive-In11e Grafton Drive-In18 Metropolitan Theatre19 Tanner Theatre20 Capitol Theatre21 Victoria Theatre22 Towngate Theatre14KENTUCKY79MARYLAND19 68OHIO1811d 11e11c1777416 11b57915611a64 12 13 VIRGINIA10764649 8772071 2122PENNSYLVANIA3281 1Design by: Jessie Lynn Images