OHC NEWSLETTER
July, August & Sept 2024
Waycross Sesquicentennial & Ware County Bicentennial
C.C. McCray City Auditorium
The Waycross City Auditorium was dedicated on May 9, 1937. More than 1,000 folks attended the dedication ceremonies, to inspect and “enjoy the beautiful new building which offers decidedly the largest auditorium in Southern Georgia,” reported the Waycross-Journal Herald.
Civic dances, the Lure of the Wilderness, and Swamp Water “Swamp Balls” were held there, graduating seniors from throughout the town and county made that march across her stage, symbolizing that last long journey from student to adult.
The auditorium also served as a gymnasium with many area high schools holding their region and basketball tournaments there. It was a mighty time with Nichols, Douglas, Pearson High, Nahunta, Blackshear, and Hoboken gathered in Waycross for their basketball tournaments.
The auditorium, now named for Waycross’ first African American mayor, C.C. McCray, originally cost $65,000.00 and was built with assistance from the Waycross Lions Club and money from the Works Progress Administration. During its lifetime, the likes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Ella Fitzgerald, Otis Redding, Louis Armstrong, James Brown, and many more, have performed on its stage. Waycross’ native son, Gram Parsons, also played there. Parsons’
impacts on rock and roll history have been well documented after he is said to have heavily influenced the likes of The Rolling Stones and The Eagles. (continued)
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