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Historical Highway MarkersMasonic TheatreL-6
Low Moor Lodge No. 166, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, commissioned this Neo-Classical Revival–style opera house and lodge, erected in 1905 at a cost of about $40,000. The Masons held meetings on the third floor from 1906 to 1921. The theatre, able to seat more than 500 people, hosted plays, vaudeville shows, silent and talking films, community events, and political addresses. Live performers reportedly included Gene Autry, Hopalong Cassidy, Lash LaRue, Tex Ritter, Roy Rogers, Burl Ives, and the Count Basie Orchestra. The theatre, later renamed the Stonewall, closed in 1987. Major restoration work during 2015-2016 brought it back into full operation.
Department of Historic Resources, 2016 See a problem? Report it to HighwayMarkers@dhr.virginia.gov. |
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References/Bibliographic Citation: Deed of Trust for Masonic Theatre, Alleghany Circuit Court Rick Tabb and Josephine Dellinger, Images of America: Clifton Forge (2011) Alleghany County Heritage, 1:17-18. John Wells Papers, Library of Virginia Manufacturers’ Record, 24 Aug. 1905 Richmond Times-Dispatch, 1 Jan. 1906, 25 March 1908 New York Times, 10 Oct. 1908. Shenandoah Herald, 31 March 1905. Staunton Spectator and Vindicator, 6 Oct. 1905. National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, Clifton Forge Commercial Historic District, 1992. History of Clifton Forge Lodge No. 166 Elizabeth Hicks Corron, Clifton Forge, Virginia: Scenic, Busy, Friendly, 101-104. |