Clifton Forge in Alleghany County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Masonic Theatre

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 11, 2017

1. Masonic Theatre Marker

Inscription. 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.

Erected 2016 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number L-6.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 37° 48.973′ N, 79° 49.497′ W. Marker is in Clifton

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Forge, Virginia, in Alleghany County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (Business U.S. 60) and East Ridgeway Street (Business U.S. 60), on the right when traveling west on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Clifton Forge VA 24422, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Mountain Region,

in the Alleghany Highlands,

and specifically in the Potomac Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: World War I Memorial (here, next to this marker); Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); All Wars Memorial (a few steps from this marker); World War Memorial (a

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 11, 2017

2. Masonic Theatre Marker

few steps from this marker); Fire Department World War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named World War I Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Roger Arliner Young (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Robert Gallaspy Land Grant (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clifton Forge.

Also see . . . The Historic Masonic Theatre - Our Story. “Since its beginnings, the theater also served as a movie house, and a meeting place. Nostalgia for the theater runs deep in the region. Hillert said that when he conducted interviews to determine whether the community would support a renovation, he heard from residents who met their spouses there — if one’s parents didn’t approve of a match, the theater was a place a young couple could still meet.” (Submitted on July 5, 2017.)

Historic Masonic Theatre image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 11, 2017

3. Historic Masonic Theatre

Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 717 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.