Crute Stage History

The High Bridge Railroad Club is located in the basement of the Crute Stage, also known as the Downtown Stage.  Here is a bit of history about our location.

 In 1922, the EACO Theater (named for the Entertainment and Amusement COmpany) opened on the corner of Main Street and Fourth Street.  In 1940, the theater was renamed the State Theater.  In 1994, the roof of the theater collapsed from the weight of a snowstorm and was never rebuilt.  Today, the site is a grassy area situated in front of the stage of the old theater -- now an open air stage.  The stage and grass area are owned by the Town of Farmville, and hosts free summer movies and other events throughout the year.  And, of course, the basement of the former theater, which used to be dressing rooms and other utility rooms, is today the home of the High Bridge Railroad Club.

 The following pictures show the original EACO Theater; the State Theater as seen from Main Street, prior to the collapse of its roof; and the theater after the roof collapsed. 

(History of Crute Stage was provided from the website: cinematreasures.org/theaters/,from members of the High Bridge Railroad Club, and from the Town of Farmville historic kiosk.)

(Photograph of the original EACO Theater -- Farmville history kiosk)

(Photographs of the State Theater prior to the collapsed roof -- Thomas B. Mason, Farmville)

(Photographs of the State Theater after the collapsed roof -- Farmville history kiosk and the Farmville Herald)