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Shortgrass Playhouse Community Theatre |
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Event Listing - Board - Shortgrass Ghost
“Charlie” the Ghost of Shortgrass Playhouse in Hobart The “Old City Hall” has played a major role in the history of Hobart beginning with its construction in 1912 under the City administration of Mayor C.G. Long. This auditorium, which once seated 1,000 people, was completed in 1913 and through the 1930’s was the site of everything from high school graduation exercise and class plays to lyceum programs that brought major talent to the community. Several present day residents remember the gala event when the world renowned violinist, Maud Powell, played here. It was also the site of a dramatic 1930 manslaughter trial stemming from the killing of a deputy sheriff, the arena of a number of professional boxing matches and the scene of citywide revival meetings. Since it was no longer used as an auditorium and the seats were removed and the hall served various purposes. It was headquarters for district Works Progress Administration (WPA) offices in the 1930s. It also provided a floor for square dancing clubs and for weekend USO dances during the 1940s in which sailors from the nearby Clinton-Sherman naval base would participate. The auditorium became Teen Town in the 1950s and provided recreation for Hobart’s young people before closing down in the early 1960s. During the renovation, a tombstone was uncovered in the debris. There were no records of its original location, so it was decided the tombstone would remain a part of the theatre. While work continued several unexplained occurrences were noted, and the theatre was believed to be haunted by the spirit from the tombstone. “Charlie” has been a member of Shortgrass Playhouse since its inception. You can see “Charlie” by asking theatre personnel. The theatre group completed the renovation in1979. The Playhouse now hosts three shows a year.
Shortgrass Playhouse Board Members (2005-06)
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