Weston in Lewis County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Fairland Nickelodeon And Bank Alley

Photographed By Craig Doda, July 22, 2022

1. Fairland Nickelodeon And Bank Alley Marker

Inscription. The first nickelodeon in the United States opened in 1905 in Pennsylvania. Weston was not too far behind, with The Fairyland Theatre opening in 1907, the second nickelodeon to open in Weston. The term nickelodeon came from the price of admission: one nickel. The Fairyland was located at 139 Main Ave., where The Weston Democrat now has its office. Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, native James W. Ferry operated the theater, which had a seating capacity of 330. The theater was advertised as such:

"Open afternoons and evenings. Clean, cool and comfortable room. Our picture does not hurt the eyes. Program changed daily."

It is said that in the summertime, Ferry gave free admission to his theatre to every child who brought to the ticket booth a jar containing 200 dead flies. Historians argue about whether early nickelodeons attracted working or middle class people, but in its infancy, nickelodeons may have provided a "simple amusement for the working class.” This could explain why dead flies were accepted as admission for children.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 39° 2.257′ N, 80° 28.085′ W. Marker is in Weston, West Virginia, in Lewis

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

County. Marker is on South Main Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 137 S Main Ave, Weston WV 26452, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tierney-Farnsworth Building (here, next to this marker); Historic Edmiston-Ralston Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shirtman (about 300 feet away); Weston's First Bank/Bennett House (about 400 feet away); The Exchange Bank of Virginia and the Lewis Maxwell House (about 400 feet away); Staunton And Parkersburg Turnpike (about 400 feet away); The Second Street Bridge (about 400 feet away); Lewis County World War Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Weston.

Photographed By Craig Doda, July 22, 2022

2. Fairland Nickelodeon And Bank Alley Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 17, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.