Caroline Hanson
Pocahontas County Opera House
Hello, friends! As part of our ongoing series delving into the rich history of the Pocahontas County Opera House, today we’re exploring what happened to the building during the 85 years between its closure in 1914 and its grand reopening in 1999. While the stage fell silent during this period, the Opera House found new purposes and played a significant role in the community’s evolving story.
A New Home for the Local Newspaper
After its closure as an entertainment venue, the Opera House became home to the The Pocahontas County News printing press and office. The echoes of vaudeville and early motion pictures gave way to the industrious hum of the press, as the building served as the hub for disseminating the latest happenings in Pocahontas County.
Basketball Games and Community Sports
For a time, the Opera House was transformed into a basketball court. Marlinton’s first basketball team played their games here, bringing life and energy to the old stage. The team included Paul Overholt (substitute center), Arden Killingsworth (center), Drew Rucker and Orion Gum (guards), Clayborne Nelson and Henry Hiner (forwards), and Leland Shoemaker (manager). Notably, Paul Yeager, a star from Hampton Sydney College, joined the Marlinton team to compete with the best. The Opera House provided a gathering place for fans to cheer on their local heroes.
Temporary High School Classrooms
In 1918, when Marlinton High School burned down, the Opera House stepped in to provide a temporary home for the school’s classes. The building became an impromptu educational space, ensuring that students could continue their studies amidst the challenges of rebuilding.
A Place for Worship
The Opera House also served as a place of worship in 1915. While the old Presbyterian Church in Marlinton was torn down and a new one was being constructed, the congregation held services in the Opera House. This period of transition highlighted the building’s versatility and impor- tance to the community.
Storage and Business Ventures
Over the years, the Opera House’s spacious interior was repurposed in various ways. It stored feed and later became a Ford dealership, with cars displayed inside the historic building. In 1977, it was purchased by Glades Building Supply and used as a storage facility for lumber, reflecting the area’s ongoing ties to the timber industry.
A New Chapter Begins
In 1991, the Pocahontas County Historic Landmarks Commission purchased the Opera House with the dream of restoring it to its former glory. This marked the beginning of an ambitious renovation effort to transform the building back into a cultural hub. After years of hard work and dedication, the Opera House reopened in 1999, once again hosting performances and bringing the arts to the heart of Marlinton.
From its days as a basketball court to its role as a Ford dealership, the Opera House has worn many hats over the years.
These chapters of its history remind us of the resilience and adaptability of both the building and the community it serves. Stay tuned as we continue to share more stories from the past and celebrate the enduring legacy of the Pocahontas County Opera House!