Website:https://www.lawtonok.gov/departments/mcmahon-memorial-auditorium
Description:When Eugene McMahon passed away, in July of 1945, his mother, Louise D. McMahon wanted a fitting memorial for her only son. With the support of The McMahon Foundation this dream became a reality with McMahon Memorial Auditorium. The auditorium is located in Elmer Thomas Park. Mrs. McMahon was involved in every aspect of the project including reviewing the acoustical design as well as selecting the lobby's colors and tile work. The furnishings and stage setting were a personal gift by Mrs. McMahon. Lawton architect, Paul Harris was engaged in 1953 to plan the building. Structural design was by OU Professor of Architecture, Mendal Glickman. The McMahon Foundation Board accepted the plans and contracted J. J. Bollinger Construction Company of Oklahoma City to build the auditorium. The auditorium is a classical proscenium stage with main floor and balcony seating with a total capacity of 1,477. The proscenium opening is 49 feet wide and 19 feet in height. The usable stage width is approximately 41 feet and the usable stage depth is 31 feet. There is a 30 batten single purchase counterweight system with a grid height is 50 feet. The stage floor is maple painted black. The fixed orchestra pit can seat 40 musicians. On Friday, March 11, 1955 Louise D. McMahon, co-founder of the McMahon Foundation, dedicated the McMahon Memorial Auditorium to the use of the citizens of the Lawton community for the advancement of music, the arts, and other forms of educational and cultural endeavors. Elvis Presley was one of the first acts to tread the boards at the auditorium, and its stage hasn't fallen silent since.
Communities:City of Lawton
