West Virginia Historic Theatre Trail brochure

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