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Smoot Theater

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1923, 1930, 1993. 213 5th St. (northeast side of 5th St., between Juliana and Market sts.)
  • (West Virginia Collection within the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division)

A vaudeville playhouse converted to a movie house, the Smoot Theater has a handsome classical facade. Above the entrance and marquee, a giant-order Ionic screen gives relief to an otherwise blank brick wall. The burgundy- and cream-colored interior has a number of original features, including a plethora of gilt moldings. The theater was closed in 1986 and was threatened with demolition in 1989. Fortunately, preservationists organized under the clever acronym SOS (Save Our Smoot) to protect the building. A careful long-term restoration is now under way.

Writing Credits

Author: 
S. Allen Chambers Jr.
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What's Nearby

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Citation

S. Allen Chambers Jr., "Smoot Theater", [Parkersburg, West Virginia], SAH Archipedia, eds. Gabrielle Esperdy and Karen Kingsley, Charlottesville: UVaP, 2012—, http://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/WV-01-WD4.

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