The Beginnings of the Auditorium

As we begin to lay the foundations for the West Point Theatre project, it's worth taking a few moments to recall the early history of the Auditorium and how it came to be. This will be the first in a series of entries featuring the history and architecture of the Auditorium building.

The idea for an Auditorium in West Point was first proposed by a group of men who formed the West Point Cadet Band. The Cadet Band had a reputation for playing classical music exceptionally well. As their popularity increased, the band held a public meeting in early 1911 to ask the businesspeople of the city for financial support in building an auditorium. The money would be paid back to the investors without interest. The fundraising efforts began in June of 1911 and collected a total of $12,000. By the time the cornerstones were laid September 23, 1911, $17,805 had been contributed.

Construction progressed remarkably fast, and the Cadet Band's first concert in the new building was held on New Year's Day 1912. From the time of its inception to the first public event, the planning and construction of the Auditorium took a little less than one year.