Jefferson Playhouse
Originally built c. 1860 by stage line contractor Robert W. Nesmith as a house, it was purchased for the Sisters of Charity in 1869 for use as their convent, hospital and school (St. Mary’s). In 1875, the property was bought by Sinai Hebrew Congregation of Jefferson. The auditorium was added around 1900 to serve as the local synagogue.
In 1955, the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club, founded in 1939, held the first performance of the Diamond Bessie Murder Trial in the historic synagogue. The garden club later purchased the synagogue and adjacent convent/school, now known as the Ruth Lester Memorial, in 1966. It has since been used for cultural and educational community events. In May of 2004, unusually strong winds caused the front wall to buckle, and the building was closed for safety reasons.
UPDATE: The Jefferson Playhouse is now owned by the Excelsior Foundation, and is undergoing renovation.
ADDRESS: 1860 N Market St, Jefferson (Marion County)
DESIGNATION: NRHP, RTHL
CONDITION: Saved!
OWNER: Excelsior Foundation
RESOURCE TYPE: Playhouse
YEAR LISTED: 2005
