The Robinson Grand is a historic theater in Clarksburg, West Virginia refurbished into a performing arts and education center. Originally opened in 1913, the Robinson Grand Theater was among the first at the time to be equipped with sound technology, becoming the thirteenth such theater in the United States in 1927.
Throughout the years it has hosted a diverse array of events, including movies, plays, wedding receptions, and the Miss West Virginia Pageant.[1] It has a seating capacity for 950, and features a ballroom and classrooms.
Opening and Founders
The theater was established by the Clarksburg Amusement Company, which had been formed the previous year. The company’s leadership included Robert Lafferty as president; Claude Robinson as vice-president, who relocated from New York to West Virginia to oversee the theater’s development; Charles Alexander as secretary-treasurer; and Reuben “Rube” Robinson as theater manager.
Brothers Claude and Rube Robinson were experienced theater operators. Claude began his career in Louisville, Kentucky, selling programs before advancing to management positions at prominent theaters in New York City. Rube, who was based in Clarksburg, recognized the city’s need for a new entertainment venue after a fire destroyed the Grand Opera House. Together, the Robinson brothers invested in the development of the Robinson Grand.[1]
History
The inaugural performance at the Robinson Grand, on February 7, 1913, featured actress Frances Starr in "The Case of Becky." The theater was part of the Keith-Albee Vaudeville circuit and acts hosted at the theater included ventriloquist Edgar Bergen with Charlie, comedian Jack Benny, and Amos 'n' Andy.[1]
In 1927, it became the 13th movie theater in the nation to incorporate sound technology. Claude Robinson had a close friendship with Albert Warner of Warner Bros which played a vital role in securing early access to this groundbreaking technology.[citation needed]
Although still associated with the Keith vaudeville circuit, the late 1920s witnessed a shift in focus, with vaudeville acts evolving into interludes between the main attraction: captivating motion pictures.[1]
On May 31, 1939, a fire erupted on the roof of The Robinson Grand. The flames, believed to have originated from an air-conditioning repairman's torch, swiftly spread due to dry weather conditions.[citation needed] While the fire ravaged the stage and auditorium, the façade and front portion of the building miraculously remained largely intact.
Claude Robinson rebuilt the theater, making it the most modern in the state. The Robinson Grand reopened its doors on December 24, 1939, less than seven months after the fire. This "Christmas gift to Clarksburg," as the theater proclaimed, was met with resounding praise and congratulatory ad campaigns from the involved contractors and suppliers.[citation needed]
The Robinson Grand remained a hub for moviegoers throughout the 1980s. The Robinson Grand also served as a stage for local plays, concerts, and dance recitals.
Facing competition from suburban multiplexes by the 1980s, the Robinson Grand entered a new chapter. James LaRosa purchased the building in 1984, remodeling the interior and renaming it the Rose Garden Theater. However, the theater's usage gradually declined, ultimately leading to it closing and a period of vacancy.[2]
In 2014, the City of Clarksburg took ownership of the historic structure, embarking on a planning process to envision a compatible new life for the theater. This landmark building forms part of the Downtown Clarksburg National Register Historic District.
Through a collaborative public-private partnership, the city joined forces with The Cultural Foundation of Harrison County and other regional stakeholders to revitalize the theater into a performing arts center. The project commenced in January 2017, culminating in the grand opening of the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in October 2018.[3]
The grand reopening was on October 20, 2018, attracting a large crowd. The ceremony featured music, speeches, performances by The Guess Who & Comedian Jay Leno, highlighting the Robinson Grand's historical significance and its continued importance as a cultural hub.[4]
The center hosts a diverse range of events, including concerts, plays, musicals, and dance performances.
Architecture
The Robinson Grand was originally constructed in 1913 and substantially altered in 1927 and 1939. The building combines architectural elements from multiple periods, reflecting its original construction, a major interwar expansion, and a post-fire reconstruction.
1913
The original theater entrance was built on a recessed site approximately 72 feet from the street, with a covered walkway leading to its doors. Robert Lafferty, the president of the Clarksburg Amusement Company worked to design the theater with architect and Ernest C. S. Holmboe. The theater's architectural style was heavily influenced by George M. Cohan's Theatre in New York City. The design included a large stage to accommodate possible future expansions.
Robinson Grand Artifacts
1927
In 1927, the Robinson Grand underwent an expansion and remodel, again under the direction of Holmboe.
The building's footprint expanded to encompass the entire lot, resulting in a significant increase in seating capacity. The new site accommodated an additional 500 patrons, for a total of 1,500 seats.
The Neo-Gothic architectural style dominated the exterior, showcasing a prominent trio of Gothic arched windows above the marquee and a vertical buttress effect achieved through terra cotta pilasters and finials.
At ground level, the main entrance featured a Tudor arch, adorned with intricate terra cotta details that included trefoil arches, foliage panels, and coffers. Narrow window panes framed by Moorish arch frames spanned the storefront transoms. A canopy marquee read "Keith Grand/ Vaudeville/Feature Pictures."
The building was decorated by J.H. Wickstead and William G. Schulte, interior decorators from Louisville, Kentucky. [citation needed] The interior was decorated in a 9th century English garden theme. Murals painted throughout the space depicted stone walls, lush greenery, rolling hills, and distant castles.[citation needed] The mezzanine level housed an "Old English" lounge, reminiscent of manor house rooms. A large wood-burning fireplace, a family crest, and rose and green plasterwork adorned the walls. Newspaper descriptions also mentioned a "decorative work made to resemble a huge log" overlooking the lobby, adorned with flowers that "nodded" to patrons below.
1939
The 1939 reconstruction, which stands today, preserved the original 1927 façade while introducing a new stage and auditorium designed in the Streamline Moderne style, under the guidance of architect Edward J. Wood.
The interior embraced flowing, curvilinear walls adorned with a light-stained wood veneer. Large curved pilasters flanking the proscenium visually extended to the front of the house through an angled recessed wall. Similar vertical elements were used throughout the lobby for aesthetic coherence. The balcony, another architectural element, featured a solid railing with curved steps at both the top and bottom, clearly delineating the changing levels. The mezzanine offered an open view into the lobby below, illuminated by a large, modern circular chandelier reminiscent of a 1930s microphone.
Throughout the auditorium and public spaces, uplights strategically placed in circular recessed ceilings bathed the spaces in soft, reflected light.[1]
1980s
The building changed owners in 1984 and was remodelled. Traces of this era are still evident today, with original wallpaper adorning the lobby, mezzanine, and restrooms, the enclosed mezzanine overlook, and mirrored panels adding a touch of elegance to the lobby.
RG Marquee 2019
Current remodel
In 2014, the City of Clarksburg took ownership of the historic structure and embarked on a project to restore the building while preserving its cultural significance. The project restored the exterior, including the iconic windows, and added a new marquee featuring LED lighting and video display capabilities.
Inside the lobby the original chandeliers, terrazzo flooring, water fountains, and grand staircases have been restored. The coved plaster ceilings and antique air diffusers in the performance hall have been preserved and enhanced with indirect lighting. The grand proscenium design, stage, and ballroom remain untouched, along with the original flooring and decorative glass displays.
The project added modern amenities while preserving the existing structure. Two new wings house a concession area, expanded restrooms, and green room/dressing rooms with direct stage access. Additionally, the basement level now includes improved drainage and a dedicated orchestra green room.
This renovation has resulted in a performance hall that accommodates nearly 1,000 patrons. The second floor features an educational center, equipped with a prep kitchen, a circular bar, and lounge areas.
Controversy of the cost
The total cost of the project to restore the theater was around 20 million dollars which caused a large controversy among opponents of the project. Under the leadership of Mayor Cathy Goings, the city council, and City Manager Martin Howe, a large portion of the expense was paid through a combination of donations, grants, tax credits, and other public and private sources. The city also created a 1% sales tax to support this project and other projects related to economic development which was another source of criticism. A general summary of that funding is detailed below.[5][6]
Classic Projector on display at the Robinson Grand today.
City of Clarksburg:
Issued bonds to raise $10 million for the project.
Provided $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds.
Contributed $150,000 in-kind services, including engineering and legal support.
Implemented the 1% sales tax to support this and other projects for ongoing funding.
The Cultural Foundation of Harrison County:
Managed the project and contributed $2.5 million in private donations.
Secured $1 million in grants from federal and state agencies.
North Central West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center:
Provided $250,000 in brownfield cleanup funds.
Private donors:
Donated $3 million to the project through individual contributions and corporate sponsorships.
Additional funding sources:
West Virginia Division of Tourism contributed $400,000.
City of Clarksburg Urban Renewal Authority contributed $200,000.
West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History contributed $50,000.
Notable figures in the theater's history
Claude Robinson
Claude Robinson was the proprietor of the Robinson Grand for decades, and a prominent figure in the community. He died in 1948; the local newspaper editorial described him as "one of the most popular" and "best-known, best-liked theatrical man" the region had ever seen. Claude left the control of the theater to his daughter Dorthy Robinson Lang.[7]
Marge Stout Douds
Marge Stout Douds worked at the centre from the 1920s through to the 1970s, eventually becoming the majority owner of the establishment due to her long service to the Robinson Family. Dorthy Robinson Lang, the daughter of Claude Robinson left 51% of the ownership to Douds in her will stating "In recognition of her long faithful service to my father during his lifetime and to me following his death.” The remainder 49% was split between her husband Harry Lang and her cousin Richard R. Robinson.[7]
Stuart Felts
Stuart Felts was a longtime usher.
James LaRosa
James LaRosa purchased the building in 1984, remodeling the interior and renaming it the Rose Garden Theater.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
