Smoot Theatre

213 Fifth St.
Parkersburg, WV
Wood County
304.422.7529
www.smoottheatre.com
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Originally a 1926 vaudeville house, various traveling shows performed here – including, in 1931, the Singer Midgets from “The Wizard of Oz.” Warner Brothers purchased the building in 1930 and converted it into a movie theatre. The company elaborately remodeled the theatre in Art Deco style, with hand-cut Austrian chandeliers, beveled mirrors lining the walls, and mahogany and brass doors. The Smoot Theatre was saved from the wrecking ball by volunteers in 1989. The restoration of the building by volunteers was based upon old photographs, drawings, and the memories of townspeople. The interior was repainted using the original white, cream, and gold paint scheme; 1930s era carpeting was selected; the chandeliers were cleaned; and the marquee was relit. The imposing Neo-Classical facade and brightly lit marquee are once again a centerpiece of downtown Parkersburg. (Above photograph courtesy of Artcraft Studio.) (Listed NRHP 1992)