State Rep. Eddie Lumsden Announces Funding for Tooga Theater

State Rep. Eddie Lumsden, R-Armuchee, announced that the Tooga Theater in Summerville has been awarded a $250,000 grant in the amended fiscal year budget that runs through June 30.

“The Tooga Theater, nestled in historic downtown Summerville, has long been a cherished hub for cultural and community activities, serving as a testament to our rich heritage,” Lumsden said. “This grant not only bolsters the theater’s role as a cultural and historical asset for the citizens of Chattooga County but also promises to attract more tourists, stimulate business growth and provide vital support to our local businesses. It’s a win-win for our community, celebrating our heritage while fostering economic opportunities.”

The special project funding will come through the Georgia Council for the Arts, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development charged with empowering the arts industry and artists around the state to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities that are rich in civic participation, cultural experiences and economic prosperity.

Lumsden represents House District 12, which covers all of Chattooga County and portions of Floyd County.

THE TOOGA a history

In order to tell The Tooga Theater’s history, we must first start with the Royal Theater, which was built in 1927 at the northeast corner of Commerce Street and Georgia Avenue. C.W. Maxey and his sister, Mrs. L. C. Turner, were the owners.

Two men from Ellijay (Tankersley & Hampton) built the Tooga while operating the Royal in 1947. Once the theater was opened, the Royal Theater was history.

In the mid-1950’s The Tooga was bought by the manager, Luther C. Smith, and Daniel L. McWhorter. Over the years the theater has served as a movie theater, a community center, an auditorium, and a community theater.

When the Shriners owned The Tooga, it was named the Dandee Denson Auditorium in honor of Pete Denson’s late son, Dandee.

Then in 2015, the county bought the Theater. The most recent use of the theater was Chattooga Curtain Call’s production of The Lion King, Jr. in 2019.

The county purchased the theater in 2015 as a condemnation. The county purchased the theater for $125,000.00 from the Shriners.

Previous articles:

Help Raise the Curtain on The Tooga

Chattooga Theater receives $22,600 grant from Fox Theatre Institute

A Big Stage for a Small Town: Renovations at Tooga Theater Bring Hurdles for Summer Shows