There used to be a place in Owingsville where actors would gather and put on grand performances. Seriously.
From the journals:
“Chick” is in there selling nuts and bolts, paints and varnishes, and most anything you need in the hardware line but what does that have to do with Fratman Hall? That’s right – the Smith and Son building was originally an entertainment emporium.
Mr. Fratman was the owner and manager of the upstairs auditorium. The rear of the downstairs, which is presently occupied by the Maze Auction Company, housed a circular staircase such as those seen in movies of yesteryear. The actors and actresses dressed in the rooms at the foot of the stairs and walked up to the stage.
Vaudeville type shows, plays, and other forms of show biz were the order of the day. Often, young boys would hang around the entrance after the show started, and if the house was not full and the boys were deserving, they were permitted to enter free of charge.
We have a sneaking suspicion that Mr. Burl was one of those boys who would hang around the entrance!
~Ginger
From the Journals of William Burl Kincaid, Jr. 