The Dalles Civic Auditorium

In 1921 the site where the Civic Auditorium now stands was the Wiley Livery barn. This horse and wagon business had been in operation for 50 years 24 hours a day. The Model T automobile was replacing the horse. So a new era began.

The Dalles city council purchased the property for the Civic in 1921 for $11,000 from Mr.Frank McCullough. Construction began the following year at a cost of $80,000. Many of the artistic embellishments and details that were in the architect's designs were not completed, possibly due to cost overruns. Upon completion the Civic Auditorium was dedicated to veterans of the World War.

The Civic Auditorium hosted high school graduations, garden clubs, pioneers, basketball, dances, proms, theater, ballet, wrestling, movies, weddings and band concerts including a young Doc Severinsen in 1939. During World War II the local National Guard unit trained in the gymnasium. In 1960 it was closed for maintenance and safety concerns.

After nearly 20 years of disuse the building was scheduled for the wrecking ball. It was in 1991 the Civic Auditorium Historic Preservation Committee formed and took ownership. Their goal to restore the Civic to its former grandeur and give it back to the Mid Columbia Area.

In 1999 the Civic Auditorium reopened the east half in an elegant style. The Ballroom, the Gymnasium, and the Fireside Community room with an attached catering kitchen. Still to come is the 1050 seat performing arts theatre.

The Dalles Civic Auditorium is owned and operated by the not for profit corporation. Civic Auditorium Historic Preservation committee Funding comes from; rentals, memberships, donations, fundraising activities and grants.

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