Park Rapids in Hubbard County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Auditorium

— Park Rapids History Trail —

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 26, 2025

1. Auditorium Marker

Inscription. In 1913, Park Rapids officials commissioned local contractor and draftsman T. C. Myers to design an auditorium. Construction was completed in 1913 and the auditorium was used for school and community events until it was demolished to make way for an addition to the Armory in 1941.

Erected by City of Park Rapids, Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 46° 55.253′ N, 95° 3.529′ W. Marker is in Park Rapids, Minnesota, in Hubbard County. It is at the intersection of Park Avenue South (U.S. 71) and 2nd Street West, on the right when traveling south on Park Avenue South. Marker is at the northeast corner of the former armory. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 203 Park Avenue South, Park Rapids MN 56470, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Minnesota’s Northland. It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Park Rapids Public Library (within shouting distance of this marker); This Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Fuller's Tackle Shop (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Park Rapids Post Office (about 400 feet away); Park Theater (about 500 feet away); Bishop's Department Store

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(about 500 feet away); Tourism (about 700 feet away); Rice Flour Mill Grindstones (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Park Rapids.

More about this marker. The armory is now home to the Armory Arts Center.

Also see . . . Auditorium. Park City History Trail

This site has been a part of the arts and cultural life of Park Rapids for over a century. In 1913, Park Rapids officials commissioned local contractor and draftsman T. C. Myers to design an auditorium for the town. The construction was completed late in 1913, and the opening night was held January 8, 1914. High school students performed the play "Pygmalion and Galatea" to a packed theater.

The auditorium was designed to be a gathering place for all Park Rapids residents, young and old alike. School ceremonies, theater productions, and the high school commencement ceremony used the theater space. Gym classes were held in the basement of the building. The community came to watch movies on Friday nights. The theater was host to many community productions and concerts.

(Submitted on July 14, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.)

Auditorium Marker to the right of Art Gallery at the Armory Arts Center the Art image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 26, 2025

2. Auditorium Marker to the right of Art Gallery at the Armory Arts Center the Art

Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 69 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 14, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.