Hippodrome Theater (Richmond, Virginia) facts for kids
The Hippodrome Theater is a famous building in Richmond, Virginia. It is found in a historic area called Jackson Ward. This neighborhood was once known as "The Harlem of the South" in the 1920s. The Hippodrome first opened as a place for live shows called vaudeville and also showed movies. It was an important stop on the "Chitlin' Circuit". This was a network of safe places for African American performers during a time when racial segregation was common. Today, the Hippodrome Theater has been brought back to life. It is now a busy performance hall again, celebrating its important place in African-American cultural history.
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A Look Back: Early Days
The Hippodrome Theater first opened its doors in 1914. It was started by Charles A. Somma. The theater quickly became a key spot for entertainment in Richmond's African-American community. It was located on Second Street, which people called "The Deuce."
The Deuce: A Lively Street
The Deuce was a very important street for Black businesses in Richmond. It was full of shops, places to eat, banks, and other theaters. This street was the heart of nightlife for African Americans in Richmond. The Hippodrome Theater was one of its biggest attractions from the 1920s to the 1940s.
Stars on Stage
During this time, Richmond's African-American community was inspired by the Harlem Renaissance in New York City. The Hippodrome attracted many famous performers from this cultural movement. Amazing artists like Billie Holiday, Bill Robinson, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Moms Mabley, James Brown, Ida Cox, and Ella Fitzgerald all performed on its stage. In 1937, the Abe Lichtman theater company bought the Hippodrome from Charles A. Somma.
Changes Over the Years: 1940s to 1980s
In 1945, a fire broke out at The Hippodrome Theater. No one ever fully figured out what caused it, but many thought it was due to a problem with the theater's electrical wires.
Reopening and New Look
The Hippodrome reopened in 1947. After the fire, the theater was completely updated. It was redesigned in the Art Deco style, which was very popular then. The new theater had modern features like air conditioning and the latest movie equipment. The grand reopening celebration brought in a huge crowd of 2,500 people.
A Changing Role
After its reopening, the theater mostly showed movies throughout the 1950s. The Hippodrome Theater closed down again in the 1960s. It reopened for a short time, then closed once more in the 1970s. For a brief period, it even served as a church. The Hippodrome Theater reopened again in the 1980s, once more as a movie theater.
The Hippodrome Today
Today, Ronald Stalling owns the Hippodrome Theater. It is still a working theater that hosts live performances on its famous stage. It also continues to show films.
Neighboring Landmarks
Right next to the theater is the Taylor Mansion. This grand house was built in 1907 by architect John A. Lankford. It was originally the home of Rev. William Lee Taylor. Now, the mansion is home to the Speakeasy Grill restaurant, which serves delicious Southern food.
Bringing History Back to Life
The Hippodrome Theater and the Taylor Mansion are part of Ronald Stalling's big plan. He wants to help Jackson Ward and the famous Second Street become the important African-American cultural center they were in the early 1900s.
