The Alpine Theatre - Chester, Hancock County, WV
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Submitted by jwaite@weir.net  Courtesy of Roy C. Cashdollar


The Alpine Theatre - 

The original theatre, called the Lincoln Theatre because of its location on
the old Lincoln Highway that ran through the center of Chester, was later
named the Alpine.  The building was first used as a livery stable and then
became the Arner-Bower Funeral Home until a fire in 1916.  The building was
repaired enough to house the Chester China for a few years.  The old
Lincoln Theatre was quite a place, having been a livery stable.  It was not
unusual for rates to make an appearance during the shows.  The Saturday
matinee for 10 cents was very popular, especially when they had a Western,
plus serial stories that ran for 10 or 12 Saturdays.

As an added attraction during the Depression, the theatre had dish night
once a week, giving away a piece of local pottery, anticipating that the
person receiving it would come often enough to collect  a whole set.
Amateur nights were held when anyone wanted to could perform.  Buster Brown
and his dog performed on Saturday afternoons while they were in town to
promote Buster Brown shoes.  The Alpine closed when outdoor theatres and
television became more popular.