Pocahontas County Opera House
Caroline Hanson
Hello, friends! As winter settled in and our performance schedule took a brief pause, we delved into the rich history of the Pocahontas County Opera House. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing a special series of posts highlighting some fascinating stories and tidbits from our past. We hope you enjoy this journey down memory lane as much as we have.
Built in 1910, our Opera House features a unique suspended balcony showcasing state-of-the-art architectural techniques of the early 20th century. The tension rods supporting the balcony, combined with the innovative use of poured-in-place concrete reinforced with steel logging train rails, made the Opera House a cutting-edge example of modern engineering during its time. This innovative design, which eliminates the need for interior columns, offers our audience clear, unobstructed views – a remarkable feature for its time and an enduring symbol of early 20th-century theater ingenuity.
Unlike cantilevered balconies that project outward unsupported, our suspended balcony is held up by steel rods fastened to the trusses in the attic. This method distributes the weight of the balcony through the roof structure, allowing the performance hall to remain open and airy without sacrificing structural integrity. It’s a design that combines beauty and engineering in perfect harmony.
Our balcony wraps around three sides of the performance hall, showcasing the natural strength and warm beauty of black walnut.
However, for safety reasons – as the original railing is only about two feet high – the balcony is currently closed to the public.
Today, the Pocahontas County Opera House stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity of its era. While preserving its historical charm, it continues to serve as a cultural hub for our community, connecting past and present through the arts.
Historical information was gathered from the National Parks Service’s historical survey and the History of Pocahontas County, West Virginia, 1981 by the Pocahontas County Historical Society, third printing, September 1997.
