One of Lurgan’s most distinctive buildings has come onto the rental market.
The remarkable building undoubtedly holds a special place in the heart of many. Once known as “The Pillars Toy Shop”, the building, although vacant, now stands as a familiar bookmaker’s establishment, echoing the diverse history it has witnessed over the years.
“The Hippodrome”, constructed in the 1890s by the visionary farmer Sammy Hewitt, whose family’s influence stretched across the lands of Silverwood, this building bore witness to a vibrant past filled with laughter and performances.
In its heyday, the Hippodrome not only hosted live acts but also embraced the magic of cinema, possibly transitioning into a full-time movie theatre around 1913. The fusion of films and live performances created a dynamic space that captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. However, tragedy struck in the early 1930s when a devastating fire ravaged the building, halting the entertainment activities that once thrived within its walls. The poignant tale of caretaker John Donnelly, whose shock at the fire allegedly turned his hair white overnight, adds a haunting layer to the building’s history.
Amidst the echoes of the past, the Hippodrome saw transformations that mirrored the evolving tastes of the community. From Billy Hanna’s lively stall downstairs to the curious combination of an ice-cream parlor and a fish & chip shop upstairs, the building exuded a charm that drew people in. The conversion of the upper floor into the intimate Lurgan Theatre Club, complete with 54 tip-up seats, marked a new chapter in the building’s narrative.
The plays brought to life by local luminary Wolsey Gracey, a revered teacher at Clounagh School in Portadown, added a touch of culture and artistry to the vibrant space.
For many Lurgan residents of a certain generation, memories will flood back of the days when this space transformed into a lively dance hall, a cozy cinema, and a bustling market. The mention of distinct smells that characterised the market triggers nostalgia for many, a sensory memory that lingers in the minds of those who experienced it.
Others will recall the days of ‘The dances’ featuring iconic Irish folk group, The Dubliners that took the music scene by storm after their formation in 1962. Could this building have been one of the stages where their melodic tunes first enchanted audiences?
In a rapidly changing world, buildings such as these connect us to our roots, grounding us in the stories of those who walked these streets before us. As time marched on, the curtains eventually closed on the theatre in 1962, but the spirit of the Hippodrome lived on through the bustling market stalls that continued downstairs until 1975.
The building’s journey took a new turn when Lurgan solicitor Barry Campbell acquired it, repurposing the upper floor while the ground floor transformed into The Pillars, a beloved toy shop that later evolved into a fashion boutique and eventually a branch of Sean Graham bookmakers.
Since August 2019, the shuttered facade of the former Hippodrome has stood as a silent reminder of its past glory, a poignant symbol of a bygone era. While the building may appear dormant now, its walls whisper tales of yesteryears, inviting us to remember the vibrant performances, the bustling market days, and the cherished memories that once filled its halls. The legacy of the Hippodrome lives on, woven into the fabric of Lurgan’s history, a treasure trove of stories waiting to be explored and celebrated.