Fairmont Theater

416 Adams Street,
Fairmont, WV 26554

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Warner Bros. Circuit Management Corp.

Architects: Victor A. Rigaumont

Styles: Streamline Moderne

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News About This Theater

Fairmont Theater

The Fairmont Theater opened on July 25, 1946. It was a replacement for the original Fairmont Theatre on the same site, which had been destroyed by fire on February 9, 1945. (it has its own page on Cinema Treasures). Like its predecessor, the Fairmont Theater was operated by Warner Bros. Circuit Management Corp. Seating was provided in orchestra and balcony levels.

In September 1973 it was converted into a triple screen cinema, it was closed in late-2007. The building was demolished in September 2012.

Contributed by Lost Memory, Ken Roe

Recent comments (view all 19 comments)

Nessa
Nessa on April 26, 2011 at 4:26 pm

I was in this building today, via a friend who was able to obtain the key. In less than 4 years, things have really gone downhill.

The drop-ceiling is collapsing and water is dripping everywhere. It is a mess. The drop-ceiling collapse has revealed a hidden vintage mural (jungle-themed and beautiful.)

(continued next comment)

Nessa
Nessa on April 26, 2011 at 4:27 pm

Anyway, the clock is ticking on this building and it will be demolished soon. I talked to some people and if ANYONE out there is interested in salvaging anything from this theatre, inside or outside, including the Vitrolite and marquee, PLEASE contact the Marion County, WV county commission ASAP, as they may be open to salvage possibilities.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on October 23, 2011 at 5:01 pm

Here is a web page that is mostly about the original Fairmont Theatre. It says that the house opened on June 4, 1923, and was destroyed by fire in February, 1945. The architect of the original Fairmont Theatre was Fred W. Elliot, of Columbus, Ohio.

The rebuilt Fairmont was opened on July 18, 1946.

AmusingTheZillion
AmusingTheZillion on March 11, 2012 at 10:27 am

I just came across a new “Save the Fairmont” Facebook page. The Fairmont was acquired by the county and is expected to be demolished to make way for a new building. It seems that others are trying to save the marquee and doors, via a petition, also posted on the page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Fairmont-Theater/348178051888181

Erasmusinwv2
Erasmusinwv2 on July 4, 2012 at 11:11 pm

Is this theater still around? I am in the process of buying and rehabbing the Philippi Grand and if it proves profitable I want to work on reopening other theaters in WV, KY, OH, PA, MD, and VA. There are so many wonderful old theaters with more character than any modern cookie cutter places.

shermancahal
shermancahal on October 1, 2012 at 10:14 am

Demolition on the theater began Wednesday, September 26 for a $25 million state office building.

Torn_Curtain
Torn_Curtain on December 1, 2013 at 9:12 pm

Here are some interior photos shortly before its demolition.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on June 13, 2016 at 5:45 pm

The September 10, 1973, issue of Boxoffice noted the conversion of the Fairmont Theatre into a triplex. Two of the auditoriums were in operation, and the third was expected to open in October.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on December 23, 2016 at 3:31 am

The March 3, 1923, issue of The Moving Picture World had this item about the original Fairmont Theatre:

“The theatre being erected on Adams street, Fairmont, W. Va., by the West Virginia Amusement Company, will be known as the Fairmont Theatre. The name was decided upon after a contest held among the citizens of the city, to suggest names for the new house.”

Nessa
Nessa on November 12, 2021 at 9:52 pm

Updated link to interior photos taken shortly before demolition: http://travelogue.darkpassage.com/show/fairmont/

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