The Historic Quonset Auditorium (2001)
Produced by the Kentucky Folklife Program, this exhibit debuted at the 2001 Kentucky Folklife Festival as part of an installation and performance tent representing the auditorium in its height of operation in the 1950s. The exhibit toured Kentucky schools, libraries, and museums as part of a heritage education program.
School kids taking in the Quonset Exhibit and Performance Stage, Kentucky Folklife Festival, 2001. Photo by Amber Ridington
The Quonset Auditorium, which was located in Bowling Green, Kentucky and operated from 1947-1959, has significance as the first entertainment venue in Bowling Green open to both African-American and European-American audiences. It was also the first venue in the region to have an integrated house band, drawing on talent from the local bands Joe Marshall and the Rovin’ Ramblers and The House Rockers. It is remembered as “The most happening place in town” and was a regular tour stop for major recording artists traveling the country, R&B, and gospel music circuits.
role: Exhibit Researcher and Curator
more info: Kentucky Library and Museum’s Teachers’ Guide to the Quonset Auditorium
Architecture of Segregation
Popular Music
Documentary Film: Rovers, Wrestlers and Stars
Singer Mary Ann Fisher, who performed with Ray Charles at the Quonset Auditorium in the 1950s, waiting to perform at the 2001 Kentucky Folklife Festival. Photo by Amber Ridington
The Quonset's house band, still in fine form: Joe Marshall (with fiddle) and his Rovin' Ramblers at the Quonset Stage, Kentucky Folklife Festival, 2001. Photo by Amber Ridington
Mary Ann Fisher getting ready to perform at the Quonset Stage. Kentucky Folklife Festival, 2001. Photo by Amber Ridington
Exhibit panels used with permission, Kentucky Folklife Program, a division of the Kentucky Historical Society.
