Located in the heart of Tappahannock’s historic district, the DAW Theatre has a rich history dating back to its grand opening in February 1939. Named after its original owners—E.M. Doar, H.S. Atkinson, and R.B. Wallace—the theater was once a cultural hub, drawing crowds from across Tidewater with its 500-seat Art Deco style and hosting everything from live variety shows to town meetings. Notably, it screened “Stormy Weather,” featuring legendary African American performers like Lena Horne and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson.
Though nearly destroyed by fire in 1949, the DAW was swiftly restored and reopened within three months. After another major renovation in 1982, the theater continued to serve the community until it finally closed in the late 1990s.
In the early 2000s, Gene and Mary Jane Cooke purchased the DAW to save it from demolition, but after gutting the building, plans stalled. In 2018, the Cookes donated the property to the newly formed DAW Theater Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the DAW into a multiuse cultural and community center.
Historic Downtown Tappahannock (HDT), formerly Tappahannock Main Street, envisions the DAW as a cornerstone in revitalizing the historic district, aiming to make it a vibrant gathering place filled with unique shops, eateries, and events. To kickstart the DAW’s revival, HDT and the DAW Theater Foundation applied for a Virginia Main Street (VMS) Financial Feasibility Grant (FFG) to explore the best path forward.
With $50,000 in grant funds and matching contributions, HDT and the Foundation hired GMG Theatre Consultancy and Frazier Associates to conduct market and architectural feasibility studies. The results were promising: there’s enough market potential to support the theater’s reopening, especially if it targets the 35-64-year-old demographic and focuses on family-friendly programming.
The estimated cost for the DAW’s full rehabilitation is over $3 million. The Foundation has already raised a significant portion and is actively fundraising to close the gap. Their campaign centers on fostering a love for the arts among future generations and encourages locals and arts enthusiasts to support the cause through tiered donations.
In March 2024, the DAW Theater was officially listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register—an exciting milestone in its journey back to life. Historic Downtown Tappahannock continues to work towards creating a thriving environment for the DAW and the historic district, ensuring Tappahannock’s rich history and culture are preserved for years to come.
Virginia Main Street 