Masonic Lodge, Majestic Theatre, Chillicothe Ohio

The Majestic Theatre, perhaps it doesn't look impressive to you now in 2010. Consider this-- it's old. Really old, first built in 1809 as The Masonic Lodge. It's been "The Place" to be for many many years. A Grand Dance Hall, a meeting place, a place to hold receptions, a Theatre, a movie theatre, a place to see The Great Vaudeville Acts of a gone by era. The original building measured only 40 x 100, but was added onto many times over the years. Laurel and Hardy, Milton Berle, and Buffalo Bill Cody are among some of those that played here. The building changed hands over the years too.
The arch came all the way from Columbus. The Majestic Theatre is the oldest standing theatre in continious operation. It's Fresco ceiling has been refurbished multiple times and is still considered to be quite a showcase of art. Oh the stories it could tell. It could tell of fun first dates, sitting in the balcony holding hands, girls friends going to a matinee together.

There are serious stories it could tell too. It could tell the story of the Movie Reel stopping so the announcement WWII was over could be made, the story of Blacks being discriminated against. You see though they paid the same full price for admission they had to wait for seats to be available in a certain section in the balcony. It could tell the story of blood alley. During the horrific Influenza Epidemic in 1918-19; when more people died of the Flu then from being in The War, Camp Sherman (the World War I Army Base), ran out of space and The Majestic became a morgue. Bodies, were stacked like cord word according to some accounts; and blood ran down the alley from the embalming process. The Alley thus became known as Blood Alley. This is considered one of most haunted places in all of Ohio; and no wonder, given the huge number's of deaths.

Anyone with family in or from Chillicothe has a connection to this Theatre. Mine family was entertained there through multiple generations. Tours are given, the space can be rented for private functions, and it's still active with on going acts. I've not yet been able to tour, but have wanted to many times. It's left it's mark on the history of Chillicothe preserving many artifacts and historical documents in it's various corner stones each time it was refurbished.

Enjoy the history here, take a tour, enjoy the current entertainment, or walk down Blood Alley, if you dare.

Other things to see and do while in Chillicothe:
Indian Mound
Courthouse, and site of the first Capital in the State
Eat at Historic and Haunted Cross Keys Tavern

Adena Indian Mound, Chillicothe, Ohio

Story Mound is a State Memorial off Allen Avenue at Delano Avenue in Chillicothe, Ohio. The archaelogical preserve is somewhat visible near the Middle School on Arch Street (formerly the old HS). Chillicothe is rich in Indian history. Mound City Group, the more famous area is a National Memorial with much to see regarding The Hopewell Indians.

This mound, measures 19.5 feet tall and is 95 feet in diameter. It's fenced and so I wasn't able to walk around it to get a better feel for the size. This is an Adena Indian Mound. The Adena Indians inhabited the area between 800 BC and 100 AD. The mound is slightly smaller then it was originally. It measured 25 feet in height and 125 feet in diameter before it was partially excavated in 1876 by Clarence Loveberry for The Ohio Historical Society. It sits on just under one acre of land. Beneath the mound are traces of a round timber building; the first documentation of this type of structure for the Adena people.

I noticed all the street names in this area are names of Indian Tribes. The name Chillicothe itself is an Indian word, A Shawnee word meaning principal place. Chil li coth ee was the village where the chief lived. When the chief died and a new chief took over; wherever he lived was then called Chil li coth ee.

I suggest you visit Mound City Group first,(guided tours there will give you good background), then Story Mound; grab some dinner at a local historic eatery Cross Keys Tavern., (unless you're scared--it's said to be haunted). Want more Indian Lore, don't forget to head to Sugar Loaf Mountain for the summer production of Tecumseh. It's very entertaining and quite educational as well.

Retire for the night and you'll be refreshed for another historic day as you travel about historic Chillicothe, one of the most historic cities in the state.

Summer's approaching, this is age appropriate for all, with plenty of outdoor activities to help burn up energy for the young. You could make a day trip of this from anywhere in Ohio, and Northern Kentucky; if you don't plan to stay the night to see Tecumseh.

Plenty more to see and do Chillicothe, so please check back soon for articles on The Majestic Theatre, said to be one of the most haunted places in all of Ohio.

**I've link to previous blog articles for you for more background information about Chillicothe and The Cross Keys Tavern, here as well as above in the text.