The question of “What to do with the Municipal Auditorium?” is hardly a new one. Before construction had even started, the public was split on whether to build such a facility.
According to the history section on the building’s National Register of Historic Places application, supporters thought the facility would attract quality performers and “enhance the cultural life” of Charleston. Others thought the theater would be a waste of public funds.
In 1984, I was elected the youngest sheriff in the history of Kanawha County. Two days after the election, I contacted former sheriff Kemp Melton. Of all the responsibilities the