The Abbeville Opera House, also known as the Abbeville Opera House and Municipal Office Building, is a historic building located in Abbeville, South Carolina. Designed by William Augustus Edwards of Edwards and Wilson. The theater opened its doors in 1908 (some sources list the opening as 1904, with dedication in 1908) and served as a cultural hub for theatrical productions, public speeches, and other town events. “At the turn of the 20th century there were many “road companies” producing shows in New York City. Once the production was assembled, the show traveled throughout the country. One of the most popular tours departed from New York, stopping in Richmond and Atlanta. For several years, Abbeville was a stopover for the entire touring company. Several members of the community decided that if this area had a facility, since the traveling companies were coming through the area anyway, Abbeville could sponsor some of these touring productions.”
In 1910, “moving pictures” began playing weekly alongside stage shows. Many well-known artists appeared in 260 live performances staged by traveling companies, including dramas, minstrel shows, and vaudeville. “The auditorium, stage, fly loft, and catwalk were said to be “equal in beauty of architecture and modern conveniences of any in the state.” (scpictureproject)
With times this good, why would you leave?
Legend has it that the two became resident ghosts. It is rumored that the ghost of an African American workman who died during the construction of the theater haunts the backstage areas. It’s not unusual in the showbiz world for performers to stay after the final curtain. It is said the spirit of a young actress still lingers inside. Her apparition has been seen applauding from the balcony, wearing a turn-of-the-century dress. The young actress was set to perform in a performance of Ben Hur in 1914, but instead fell ill. She was rushed to a nearby inn to rest. Rumor has it that the young actress returned to The Abbeville Opera House later that evening and took a seat on the second-floor balcony. After the show, she passed away not far from the theater. Now, the theater keeps a “ghost” light on and the seat open, should she ever want to return.
The design of the Opera House closely copied Atlanta’s Grant Theater and Richmond’s Lyric, with a huge 7,500 square-foot stage to accommodate large touring casts. The Opera House is one of the few remaining in South Carolina, and it underwent a complete restoration in 1968. According to local tradition, William Jennings Bryan spoke from the Opera House stage during his presidential campaign.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr
Image Credit: John G. Clark Jr.
