Mort Glosser Amphitheater facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Legion Park Bowl
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The amphitheater in 2010
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 Location in Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Location | 336 1st St., S., Gadsden, Alabama |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1935 |
| Architect | Paul W. Hofferbert |
| Architectural style | English Picturesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 88001581 |
| Added to NRHP | September 28, 1988 |
The Mort Glosser Amphitheater is an outdoor theater in Gadsden, Alabama. It was once called the Legion Park Bowl and the Gadsden Municipal Amphitheatre. This historic place was built in 1935. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. This means it is a special place worth protecting.
History of the Amphitheater
The amphitheater was built between 1934 and 1935. It was part of a project by the Works Progress Administration. This was a government program that helped people find jobs during the Great Depression. The theater was built next to the Gadsden Municipal Auditorium. Both buildings are along the Coosa River.
At first, the theater was owned by the American Legion. It was called the Legion Park Bowl. During World War II, it became a special place for soldiers. It was used as a USO entertainment center. Soldiers stationed nearby at Camp Sibert could come here for fun.
Over the years, many different events happened at the amphitheater. People watched boxing matches and concerts. There were also plays, haunted houses, and political meetings.
In 1986, the City of Gadsden bought the amphitheater. They started to fix it up and make it new again. It was then renamed to honor Dr. Mort Glosser. He was a band director at Gadsden High School for many years. Later, he became the superintendent of Gadsden City Schools. He retired in 1975.
Design and Architecture
A local architect named Paul W. Hofferbert designed the amphitheater. The stone used to build it came from Lookout Mountain.
The seating area is shaped like half of a hexagon. A hexagon is a shape with six sides. The stage is at the north end of the theater. Part of the stage is covered by a timber-frame proscenium arch. This arch is also finished with stone. A proscenium arch is like a frame around the stage.
Next to the stage, on the northwest side, is a club room. This room is rectangular and has a steep roof. You can enter the amphitheater from behind the seats. There is a hexagonal gatehouse there. There is also a lower entrance near the club room. You can reach this entrance through a stone-walled courtyard. The amphitheater can seat 1600 people.
See also
In Spanish: Anfiteatro Mort Glosser para niños
