Morton Theatre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Morton Building
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | 199 W. Washington St., Athens, Georgia |
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| Built | 1910 |
| Architectural style | Beaux Arts |
| Website | https://www.mortontheatre.com/ |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000709 |
| Added to NRHP | October 22, 1979 |
The Morton Theatre is a very special place in downtown Athens, Georgia. It is located at 195 West Washington Street. This theatre was one of the first vaudeville theatres in the United States. What makes it unique? It was built, owned, and run by an African-American businessman named Monroe Morton. In 2001, this area was called Athens' "Hot Corner." Today, the theatre is a busy place. It is rented out for many different shows. You can see plays, music, and dance performances there. It also hosts many other special events.
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A Special Building's Story
The Morton Building was built in 1910. It was built by Monroe Morton. He was a very important African-American businessman in Athens. Mr. Morton owned more than 30 buildings. The Morton Building was his largest one. For a long time, this building was the center of the Black business area downtown.
A Place for Professionals
Many Black doctors, dentists, and pharmacists had offices in the Morton Building. For example, Dr. Ida Mae Johnson Hiram worked there. She was the first Black woman to be a licensed dentist in Georgia. Dr. William H. Harris also practiced there. He helped start a medical group for Black doctors, dentists, and pharmacists in Georgia.
The Theatre Opens!
The theatre opened its doors on May 18, 1910. It hosted many exciting vaudeville acts. Vaudeville was a popular type of entertainment. It included many different short acts. There were singers, dancers, comedians, and magicians. Local, regional, and national performers came to the Morton Theatre.
Famous Performers
Many famous artists performed at the Morton Theatre. During its most popular years, big names came to the stage. These included Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Louis Armstrong. Famous blues singers like Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey also performed there.
Changes Over Time
In the 1930s, the theatre changed. It became a movie house. People came to watch films instead of live shows. In 1954, a small fire happened in the projection room. After a safety check, the theatre had to close. It needed better emergency exits for the audience. The theatre had over 500 seats. Even though the theatre closed, businesses on the street level stayed open.
Saving the Morton Theatre
In 1980, a group bought the building. It was a non-profit group called the Morton Theatre Corporation. They used money from the state and federal governments. Local bands sometimes used the building. Bands like Dreams So Real, The B-52's, and R.E.M. practiced there. They even filmed music videos inside.
In 1987, the people of Athens-Clarke County helped save the theatre. They voted for a special sales tax. This tax money helped pay for the theatre's repairs.
A New Beginning
In 1991, the building's ownership changed. It was given to the Athens-Clarke Unified Government. In 1993, the theatre reopened its doors. The government provides staff and support. This helps the theatre work as a community arts space. The non-profit group helps plan shows. They also manage renting out the building.
