Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center

Robinson Grand, prior to renovation
Former names	Robinson Grand, Robinson Grand Theater, The Keith Grand, The Rose Garden
Location	444 West Pike Street Clarksburg, West Virginia, United States
Type	Indoor theater
Capacity	1,150
Construction
Broke ground	1912
Built	1913
Opened	February 7, 1913
Renovated	1927, 1939, 2018
Expanded	1927
Website
therobinsongrand.com
Robinson Grand
U.S. Historic district Contributing property
Location	444 West Pike Street Clarksburg, West Virginia, United States
Built	1912–1913
Architect	Holmboe & Lafferty
Architectural style	Gothic Revival
Part of	Clarksburg Downtown Historic District (ID82004794)
Added to NRHP	February 17, 1982

The Robinson Grand is a historic theater in Clarksburg, West Virginia Rehabilitated into a modern performing arts and education center with seating for 950, 200 guest ballroom, and classrooms. In 1913, the Robinson Grand Theater opened in downtown Clarksburg. This marked the beginning of a vibrant cultural hub that would serve residents of Harrison County, West Virginia and beyond. The Robinson Grand, a pioneer in its era, became the thirteenth theater in the United States to be equipped with sound technology in 1927. During its golden age, it hosted a diverse array of events, including movies, plays, wedding receptions, and even the prestigious Miss West Virginia Pageant.^[1]

Opening and Founders

The theater was the brainchild of the Clarksburg Amusement Company, formed the previous year by several prominent figures:

• Robert Lafferty: President of the company, bringing his expertise and leadership to the project.
• Claude Robinson: Vice-president and driving force behind the theater's creation. With extensive experience in the theater industry, he moved from New York to West Virginia to oversee its development.
• Charles Alexander: Secretary-treasurer, ensuring the financial stability of the venture.
• Reuben "Rube" Robinson: Manager of the theater, leveraging his previous experience in Clarksburg's theater scene to ensure its smooth operation.

The Robinson brothers, Claude and Rube, were not new to the world of theater. Claude's journey began in Louisville, Kentucky, where he worked his way up from selling programs to managing prestigious theaters in New York City. Rube, initially based in Clarksburg, recognized the city's need for a premier entertainment venue after a fire destroyed the Grand Opera House. He convinced Claude to invest in his vision, leading to the creation of the Robinson Grand. With Claude's leadership and extensive experience, the Robinson Grand quickly became a thriving hub for Clarksburg's cultural life. Rube, meanwhile, shifted his focus to his successful advertising business, leaving Claude to manage the theater's operations.^[2]

Original design and early history

The original 1913 theater structure stood proudly, with its entrance 72 feet from the street and a covered walkway leading to its welcoming doors. Designed by Robert Lafferty, president of the Clarksburg Amusement Company, and Ernest C. S. Holmboe, the architect, the theater's architectural style was heavily influenced by the then-existing George M. Cohan's Theatre in New York City.

Robinson Grand Artifacts

The Robinson brothers, Claude and Reuben, played a key role in the design, advocating for a large stage to accommodate future expansion possibilities. A surviving photograph reveals a grand entryway with a distinctive segmented arch parapet, adorned with globe lights and a marquee showcasing current shows. Flanking the entrance were a ticket booth and a wall adorned with poster displays, inviting passersby to enter the world of entertainment.

The inaugural performance at the Robinson Grand, on February 7, 1913, was a grand affair featuring the talented Frances Starr in "The Case of Becky." As part of the renowned Keith-Albee Vaudeville circuit, the theater welcomed legendary acts like ventriloquist Edgar Bergen with Charlie, Jack Benny, and Amos and Andy, captivating audiences for years to come.^[3]

1927 Remodel

In 1927, the Robinson Grand underwent a significant expansion and remodel under the skillful guidance of architect Ernest C. S. Holmboe. This momentous year also marked the theater's entry into the exciting world of "talkies", becoming the 13th movie theater in the nation to embrace sound technology. Claude Robinson's close friendship with Albert Warner of Warner Bros. played a vital role in securing early access to this groundbreaking technology.

Local media meticulously documented the transformed theater, detailing everything from the vibrant colors of the restrooms to the meticulously designed acoustics and the spacious seating arrangements. The building's footprint expanded to encompass the entire lot, welcoming visitors with a grand canopy marquee proudly displaying "Keith Grand/ Vaudeville/Feature Pictures." This expansion also resulted in a significant increase in seating capacity, accommodating 1,500 patrons compared to the original 1,000. The Neo-Gothic architectural style dominated the exterior, showcasing a prominent trio of Gothic arched windows above the marquee and a mesmerizing vertical buttress effect achieved through terra cotta pilasters and finials. At ground level, the main entrance captivated with a wide Tudor arch, adorned with intricate terra cotta details that included trefoil arches, foliage panels, and coffers. Narrow window panes framed by Moorish arch frames gracefully spanned the storefront transoms, adding to the overall architectural grandeur.

Stepping inside the 1927 Robinson Grand was an immersive experience, reflecting the popular trend of elaborately themed "atmospheric" theaters. While it lacked the characteristic starry sky ceiling, the interior was lavishly decorated in a captivating 9th century English garden theme. Murals painted throughout the space depicted stone walls, lush greenery, rolling hills, and distant castles, transporting audiences to a magical world.

J.H. Wickstead and William G. Schulte, talented interior decorators from Louisville, Kentucky, were responsible for this enchanting transformation. Unfortunately, information regarding their lives beyond their profession and location remains scarce. The mezzanine level housed a charming "Old English" lounge, reminiscent of cozy manor house rooms. A large wood-burning fireplace, a family crest, and rose and green plasterwork adorned the walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Newspaper descriptions also mentioned a "decorative work made to resemble a huge log" overlooking the lobby, adorned with welcoming flowers that "nodded" to patrons below.

Although still associated with the Keith vaudeville circuit, the late 1920s witnessed a shift in focus, with vaudeville acts evolving into interludes between the main attraction: captivating motion pictures.^[4]

1939 Fire

the Robinson Grand faced tragedy on May 31, 1939, when a fire erupted on its roof. The flames, believed to have originated from an air-conditioning repairman's torch, swiftly spread due to dry weather conditions. While the fire ravaged the stage and auditorium, the façade and front portion of the building miraculously remained largely intact.

Undeterred, Claude Robinson made a bold promise to the residents of Clarksburg: he would rebuild the theater, making it the most modern in the state. In a remarkable display of resilience and dedication, the Robinson Grand reopened its doors on December 24, 1939, less than seven months after the fire. This "Christmas gift to Clarksburg," as the theater proudly proclaimed, was met with resounding praise and congratulatory ad campaigns from the involved contractors and suppliers.

The 1939 reconstruction, which stands today, preserved the original 1927 façade while introducing a completely new stage and auditorium designed in the Streamline Moderne style, under the guidance of architect Edward J. Wood. The interior embraced flowing, curvilinear walls adorned with a light-stained wood veneer. Large curved pilasters flanking the proscenium visually extended to the front of the house through an angled recessed wall, creating a sense of continuity. Similar vertical elements were used throughout the lobby for aesthetic coherence.

The balcony, another striking architectural element, featured a solid railing with curved steps at both the top and bottom, clearly delineating the changing levels. The mezzanine offered an open view into the lobby below, illuminated by a large, modern circular chandelier reminiscent of a 1930s microphone. Throughout the auditorium and public spaces, uplights strategically placed in circular recessed ceilings bathed the spaces in soft, reflected light.^[5]

1980's Change in ownership and closing

The Robinson Grand remained a vibrant hub for moviegoers throughout the 1980s, further solidifying its place in the community's heart. Locals fondly recall watching popular films on its iconic screen, with prices ranging from a mere 17 cents to 25 cents. Many also cherish memories of their first jobs at the theater, whether as ticket takers, ushers, cleaners, or painters.

The magic of the Robinson Grand extended far beyond the silver screen, serving as a stage for local plays, concerts, and dance recitals. A glimpse into the Facebook page "You know you're from Clarksburg, WV when..." reveals a treasure trove of memories and anecdotes, showcasing the theater's profound impact on generations of residents.

Facing competition from suburban multiplexes by the 1980s, the Robinson Grand entered a new chapter. James LaRosa purchased the building in 1984, remodeling the interior and renaming it the Rose Garden Theater. Traces of this era are still evident today, with original wallpaper adorning the lobby, mezzanine, and restrooms, the enclosed mezzanine overlook, and mirrored panels adding a touch of elegance to the lobby.

However, the theater's usage gradually declined, ultimately leading to it closing and a period of vacancy.^[6]

Notable figures in the theater's history

2014 Purchase by the City of Clarksburg

In 2014, the City of Clarksburg took ownership of the historic structure, embarking on a comprehensive planning process to envision a compatible new life for the theater. This landmark building forms part of the Downtown Clarksburg National Register Historic District.

Through a collaborative public-private partnership, the city joined forces with The Cultural Foundation of Harrison County and other regional stakeholders to revitalize the theater into a vibrant performing arts center. This ambitious project commenced in January 2017, culminating in the grand opening of the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in October 2018.^[9]

RG Marquee 2019

Controversy of the cost

The total cost of the project to restore the theater was around 20 million dollars which caused a large controversy among opponents of the project. Under the leadership of Mayor Cathy Goings, the city council, and City Manager Martin Howe a large portion of the expense was paid through a combination of donations, grants, tax credits, and other public and private sources. The city also created a 1% sales tax to support this project and other projects related to economic development which was another source of criticism. A general summary of that funding is provided below.^[10][11]

Classic Projector on display at the Robinson Grand today.

• City of Clarksburg:
  • issued bonds to raise $10 million for the project.
  • Provided $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds.
  • Contributed $150,000 in in-kind services, including engineering and legal support.
  • Implemented the 1% sales tax to support this and other projects for ongoing funding.
• The Cultural Foundation of Harrison County:
  • Managed the project and contributed $2.5 million in private donations.
  • Secured $1 million in grants from federal and state agencies.
• North Central West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center:
  • Provided $250,000 in brownfield cleanup funds.
• Private donors:
  • Donated $3 million to the project through individual contributions and corporate sponsorships.
• Additional funding sources:
  • West Virginia Division of Tourism contributed $400,000.
  • City of Clarksburg Urban Renewal Authority contributed $200,000.
  • West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History contributed $50,000.

Links

• Video of Marquee being placed
• Article when construction was about to begin
• National Park Service Case Study of the project
• New Market Tax Credits
• History on Clio
• West Virginia Preservation Alliance

References

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