Cottrill Opera House
East Avenue,
Thomas,
WV
26292
East Avenue,
Thomas,
WV
26292
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The Cottrill Opera House was built circa 1902 for vaudeville and not opera. In the 1920’s, the building was sold to the Sutton family and its name was changed to the Sutton Theatre. As the Sutton Theatre, movies were shown here.
A Wurlitzer theater organ opus 1840 style "B" special was installed in February of 1928. The Cottrill Opera House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The building is currently being restored for use as a live performance theatre.
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Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Cottrill Opera House (added 1979 – Building – #79002602)
Also known as Sutton`s Opera House
East Ave., Thomas
Historic Significance: Event
Area of Significance: Performing Arts, Social History
Period of Significance: 1900-1924
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Business, Theater
Current Function: Domestic, Vacant/Not In Use
Current Sub-function: Multiple Dwelling
Here is additional information about the Wurlitzer theater organ. This link has a small vintage photo and two modern photos.
Here is a NY Times story about the Cottrill Opera House dated May 13, 1982.
This is a 2008 photo.
Here is an item from Boxoffice magazine in June 1962:
THOMAS, W. VA.-Mrs. Cathryn Sutton, for many years operator of the Sutton Theater here, has leased the theater to Roger Bonner, current theater projectionist, effective August 1. Mrs. Sutton is moving to California.
E.C.S. Holmboe and Robert C. Lafferty of the Clarksburg architectural firm Holmboe & Rafferty designed the Cottrill Opera House.
Just posted a 1934 poster for the Sutton Theatre. Spelling should be changed from “Theater” to “Theatre” in the Overview description.