The Auditorium was located on Academy Street, directly across from the Academy Street School near these coordinates: 39.704083, -75.109690. The structure was built by Charles P. Abbott and his brother-in-law John Long in 1910 and presented on September 1st.

When constructed, the building was valued at $35,000 (Approximately $995,000 in 2022). The building was three stories high and could hold 1,200 people. It was the largest Auditorium in South Jersey at the time. It had a bowling alley, lunchrooms, theatre, billiard room, and much more. The facility was also used for theater productions, including minstrel shows (Wikipedia: Minstrel Show). 

Three United States presidents visited this structure (and Glassboro). In 1911, Governor Woodrow Wilson (President from 1913 to 1921) came to Glassboro and spoke to the community on the Auditorium steps. In 1912, former President William Howard Taft also spoke on the steps. In 1913, former President Theodore Roosevelt also spoke at the Auditorium steps.

Though the Auditorium was said to have been fireproof (built with metal sheets surrounding the wood structure), in 1917, a mysterious fire destroyed the building. The community could do nothing to save it; however, many nearby homes and businesses were saved. Though town officials often discussed rebuilding the structure, it was never rebuilt. The loss of the Auditorium was a massive loss to the community.

For More Information about the Fire
The Fire at the Auditorium




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