About This Location
The Victoria Theatre is a historic performing arts venue that opened on January 1, 1866, just after the Civil War. The building has survived two fires, a major flood, and multiple name changes - operating as Turner Opera House, Grand Opera House, Victoria Opera House, and Victory Theatre before settling on its current name in the 1980s. The ornate theater was nearly demolished in the 1970s but was saved by community fundraising and added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Ghost Story
The theater's most famous ghost is "Vicky," a touring actress from the early 20th century who vanished under mysterious circumstances. As the story goes, she was waiting in her black taffeta gown to go on stage when she ran back to her dressing room for a forgotten fan - and was never seen again. A guard at the bottom of the stairs never saw her come down. Some believe she was murdered and removed in a trunk. To this day, her spirit graces the theater, leaving behind the sweet scent of rose perfume. Footsteps and the rustling of her petticoat cross the stage, lights flicker mysteriously, and elevator doors open by themselves. During renovations in 1979, workers complained of tools constantly disappearing. The face of a man who committed suicide has been seen on backstage curtains. Another victim, Lucille, was physically attacked in one of the private boxes and may also haunt the space.
