History of the RCP Playhouse

History of the Playhouse

    The Rush County Players Audition & Rehersal Hall has a long history and is the oldest commercial building in Rushville. The building was originally erected as the home of Rushville Christian Church, which would later become the Main Street Christian Church. This church has continued to play an important role in the life of RCP, playing host to our 30th anniversary celebration, RCP, This is Your Life. The first floor was occupied in 1850, and was dedicated as a whole in 1853. The sanctuary was located on the second floor, in what is now used as rehersal space.   A "Working Man's Library" was located on the lower floor, in what is now the Great room, in those first years.

     In 1894, the congregation of the Christian Church moved into the present facility on Main Street. The building on the corner of Second and Morgan was then sold to the Ivy Lodge #27, Knights of Pythias. Their ensignia can still be seen on the Morgan Street façade. Interestingly enough, during the construction of the new courthouse, some of the county records were stored there. The Knights of Pythias occupied the building for an unknown number of years, and to whom the building passed after they built their new facility is not clear. At some point, William G. Waggoner purchased the building and managed a store there for many years.

     Mr. Waggoner sold the building to the directors of the newly organized Boys Club during World War II. The Boys Club, which later became the Boys and Girls Club, occupied the building for more than 50 years, before moving in 1996 to its present location at the corner of 16th and Sexton Streets.

     At one point, two small rooms were added on to the back of the building. During the late 1950's these were painted in a red and white stripe pattern and was opened as a teen club, The Peppermint Cave, which was seperate from the Boys Club. Teenagers could enjoy a Coke and dance to the music on the jukebox. The counter from the Cave remains in this part of the facility. The Peppermint Cave closed sometime in the 1960's.

     In 1999, Rush County Players purchased the building, in the heart of downtown Rushville, from the Rush County Boys and Girls Club to be used as an audition and rehersal hall. RCP continues to renovate the facility "on the fly" between shows, thanks to various grants.

      The Players have big plans for the building which we hope to reveal soon.

Histoy of RCP

Show History