My greatest memory of the Robinson Grand Theatre was in 1989. I played Annie when the Clarksburg Creative Art Center was very active in bringing live productions to the area. I can remember being in the 5th grade and standing up on that stage with a sold-out audience for over 7 shows. I will never forget that experience and to this day I still have people remember and quote “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow”. I will forever be grateful for that opportunity and can’t wait to see the new theatre!

I remember the Robinson Grand being so elegant and magnificent. The outside marquee had technicolor pictures of the movie showing and the stars of the movie. The marquees were so tall and colossal on the front of the building. After you opened up the 2 sets of massive glass doors you had to walk up the slope of red carpet and up the steps to go to the main area to get into the theater. The ticket booth was on the right before the steps. Meanwhile you could go to the candy counter on the left smelling the aroma of popcorn popping and people lined up to get their candy for the movie. Movies cost 25 cents for kids. I remember paying $1.00 in the 60's to see a movie. I always loved to sit in the balcony. The restrooms were always decorated beautifully with lots of flowery decor in the room. You could actually sit in the room on love seats with mirrors and apply your lipstick while waiting for someone. The theater was magnificent. I saw plays, movies, the community concerts, and recitals there. It was a magical place for me growing up. I am so glad it is being resurrected.

When I was Mayor of Clarksburg, I was asked to assist with the performance of "The Amazing Kreskin" who was a regular guest on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. He was quite a guy and at the close of his show, he announced to the crowd that I would be giving his check to one of the audience members and he would guess the correct person or he wouldn't be paid for his performance. I gave his check to a person while he was in the dressing room. He came out and after walking around in the wrong area, he finally walked to the person who had the check. Several people asked me if I was in on the trick. Believe me, I was not and still do not know how he did it. Quite a fun memory!