The Old Academy:
On July 9th, 1816, William Moore Smith and Ann, his wife, donated land of 56 square perches to be held in trust, "and the said Trustees shall erect a building
to be used as a school house and occasional place of worship".
A subscription was circulated for the purpose of raising funds for the school house from private contributors, and construction began. The building, the ‘Old Academy’, was completed in 1819, and over the years served not only as a school house, but was a meeting hall, the starting place for just about every church in the area, and the public library, until they eventually had permanent homes. In 1932, the building being in disuse and terrible condition, was offered to the Moment Musical Club. They then changed the club’s name to the ‘Old Academy Players’.
Portions of the above from the books and papers of A.C. Chadwick.
The Old Academy Players:
Old Academy Players was formed in 1923 as the Moment Musical Club by 19 members of the Falls Methodist Church. Their first production was a musical called The Minister’s Wife’s New Bonnet. It was a rousing success. The club decided to do more shows under their own independent auspices, and gave theatrical productions; did charitable work and provided social fellowship for its members. However, the group had no permanent home. It rehearsed in local homes and barns and rented facilities for its performances. It staged plays at Palestine Hall, The YWCA of Germantown, the Germantown Women’s Club and any other rental space that was available and affordable. Having acquired the
use of the Old Academy in 1932, the members started from scratch repairing
the building and converting it to a theater. For seating, chairs were borrowed
from the next door Young Men’s Association. The stage was at floor level and all entrances and exits had to be made through the front door and down the aisle. They initiated a custom still followed today, of providing free refreshments at intermission. In 1941, through the generosity of John Hohenadle, a local brewer, and John B. Kelly, a much needed addition to the rear of the building was constructed. Soon after that, a young girl named Grace Kelly made her debut
on our stage. While finances have always been a worry, improvements have been steadily made thanks to the sweat and love of our members, and the generosity of our patrons.
Carfax:
The adjoining building was the home of the ‘Young Men’s Association’ for many years. In 1971, it was offered to the Old Academy Players for a nominal sum upon the dissolution of that organization. We were performing the play ‘Dracula’ at that time, and one of the lines was "that old ruin Carfax", the name of Dracula’s residence. When it was said, the actor always pointed to the building next door.
So, as an indication of its condition at the time, it took with affection, the name of ‘Carfax’. We are now, in keeping in line with the history of the club, in the process of starting the Old Academy Community Arts Center which will be housed in Carfax. Thanks to the generosity of Mark Sherman of Sherman Properties, this Center is becoming a reality.
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