Clarksburg in Harrison County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Moore Opera House
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Orpheum Theater
Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 17, 2024
1. Moore Opera House / Orpheum Theater Marker
Moore Opera House was located at the corner of South Fourth Street and Traders Avenue. It was built in 1917 by Jack Marks on land owned by Frank Moore, mayor of Clarksburg from 1909-1912. The theater opened on June 10, 1918, with Charlie Chaplin in "A Dog's Life." The murder trial of Harry Powers was held here in 1931 in one of the most infamous cases of the 20th century. Moore Opera House operated as a movie theater until 1956.
The Orpheum Theater was located at the corner of South Fourth Street and West Pike Street. It opened on May 1, 1913. Frank Moore moved his residence from this location to build the theater. Jack Marks managed this theater from 1913-1922, and Claude Robinson later managed it from 1922 until the theater closed in 1929. (A second Orpheum Theater would open on West Main Street in 1922. It was managed by Jack Marks until the time of his death in 1952).
Erected by The Clarksburg History Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is May 1, 1913.
Location. 39° 16.834′ N, 80° 20.44′ W. Marker is in Clarksburg, West Virginia, in Harrison County. It is on South 4th Street south of West Pike Street, on the right when traveling south. South 4th Street is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Little Kanawha Valley. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ritz Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Waldomore / Nathan Goff (within shouting distance of this marker); Waldo Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Empire National Bank (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1795 Spanish Cannon (about 400 feet away); Stonewall Jackson Birthplace (about 400 feet away); Derek William Hotsinpiller (about 400 feet away); Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson Birthplace (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clarksburg.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 17, 2024
2. Moore Opera House / Orpheum Theater Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 462 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 23, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
