[1] Designed in the French Gothic style, the first floor of the building was used by the town government for offices, a jail, and the fire company, which had one engine there.

For years it attracted national touring companies, individual performers and a variety of theatre acts.

The building was designed in the French Gothic style as both a place of entertainment and as a seat of government for the city.

The building, completed in 1881 and dedicated in 1882, had a clock tower 130 feet (40 m) topped with a garfish weather vane.

Touring companies of New York City plays, minstrel and variety shows, famed vocalists and lecturers, magicians and mind readers, novelty acts and boxing exhibitions all were featured there.

Notable artists, such as Edwin Booth, John Barrymore and his family, and Tallulah Bankhead are known to have performed there.

During the movie era, the original horseshoe-shaped balcony was reduced in size, this restricted seating across the back of the auditorium to blacks only; the state had racial segregation in facilities.

An additional 10,000 square feet (930 m2) was added to the original building in order to create a full theatrical production facility: a new loading dock, an elevator, a second stage for rehearsal, and dressing rooms.