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 Forge, Virginia, in Alleghany County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (Business U.S. 60) and East Ridgeway

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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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Roger Arliner Young (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Robert Gallaspy Land Grant (about 400 feet away); C&O Railroad Shops (approx. ¾ mile away); Douthat State Park (approx. 1.8 miles away); Jackson River Depot (approx. 2.1 miles away); Oakland Presbyterian Church and Cemetery (approx. 2.1 miles away); Oakland Grove Presbyterian Church (approx. 2.2 miles away); Oakland Presbyterian Church (approx. 2.2 miles 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.)

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

2. Masonic Theatre Marker

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 418 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.