Abingdon in Washington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Barter Theatre

Theatre on a Grand Scale

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 23, 2022

1. Barter Theatre Marker

Inscription.
This building was erected in 1831.

The Barter Theatre was founded by Robert Porterfield during the Depression of 1932.

The original idea of the Barter Theatre was to bring together the hungry actor and the farmer with a supply of produce.

Barter Foundation Incorporated serves as a non profit educational and cultural experiment for the purpose of giving the people of Virginia and its many guests and tourists an opportunity to observe some of the works of the world's most distinguished playwrights performed by competent artists.

The Barter Theatre p[ledges itself to combat the evils that would destroy the culture and enlightenment of the world by giving the best of its strength and devotion to the cause of truth, beauty and spiritual nourishment of the human soul.

Erected by Barter Theatre Foundation, Inc.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1831.

Location. 36° 42.64′ N, 81° 58.503′ W. Marker is in Abingdon, Virginia, in Washington County. Marker is at the intersection of West Main Street (U.S. 11) and Goodman Alley, on the right when traveling west on West Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 127 W Main St, Abingdon VA 24210, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Barter Theatre (here, next to this marker); William Rodefer House (a few steps from this marker); Martha Washington College (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Barter Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Stonewall Jackson Female Institute (within shouting distance of this marker); Governor John B. Floyd (within shouting distance of this marker); The Crooked Road / Abingdon (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); History of Barter Stage II (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abingdon.

Regarding Barter Theatre. Among items the theatre has accepted as payment: Snakes, toothpaste and underwear. A pig was worth 10 tickets, while two quarts of milk paid for one admission. In 1965 Lady Bird Johnson, then First Lady, traded a seedling from a magnolia tree that Andrew Jackson had planted on the White House grounds.

Also see . . .
1. Barter Theatre. Encyclopedia Virginia entry on the historic venue. (Submitted on November 11, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Barter Theatre. Clio: Your Guide to History website entry:
The theatre’s concept was jokingly referred to as “ham for Hamlet,” but it quickly became a popular

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 23, 2022

2. Barter Theatre Marker

Featured marker is on the right.

destination for actors and audiences alike. (Submitted on November 11, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Barter Theatre image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 23, 2022

3. Barter Theatre

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 9, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.