Comstock-Cheney Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Comstock-Cheney Hall
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 103 Main St., Ivoryton, Connecticut |
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| Area | 0.6 acres (0.24 ha) |
| Built | 1910 and 1938 |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 82003769 |
| Added to NRHP | April 15, 1982 |
The Comstock-Cheney Hall, also known as the Ivoryton Playhouse, is a famous theater building. It is located in the small village of Ivoryton, which is part of the town of Essex, Connecticut, in the United States. This special building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many people believe it is the first summer theater in the United States that has been open continuously for a very long time.
Building the Playhouse
The construction of this building started in 1910. It was finished in 1911. Originally, it was built as a fun recreation hall for the Comstock-Cheney factory workers. The building has a beautiful design called Classical Revival. This style often includes grand columns and balanced shapes, like ancient Greek and Roman buildings. When the building was added to the National Register, it included three important buildings on a piece of land about half an acre in size.
A Special Summer Theater
The Ivoryton Playhouse is thought to be the first summer theater in the United States that could support itself financially. This means it didn't need money from rich families or special groups to stay open. While there were older theaters in places like Dennis, Massachusetts, and Skowhegan, Maine, they often received money from wealthy families or foundations. The Westport Country Playhouse, another well-known theater, was started one year after the Ivoryton Playhouse.
The Playhouse is officially recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. You can even see a sign on the front of the building that shows this important status.
See also
