Benton Hall was constructed in 1913 as the North Wilkesboro School. At the time, the local economy was booming, so the city built this grand, architecturally unique school building as an investment in the community’s future. Holding various age groups at different times, the North Wilkesboro School was locally renowned for its academic excellence. It was so desirable, that at one time parents from other districts paid a fee for their children to attend, and the massive building was bursting at its seams. In 1924, an additional building was constructed to hold the additional students, and was later demolished. It stood where Benton Hall Community Arts Center’s parking lot is today. In 1964/1965, an addition added a gym (replacing an older one from the 1930s), a new classroom, a band room, a teachers' lounge, and offices for the North Wilkesboro City Schools superintendent and Board of Education. Over the years, thousands of students attended the school until it closed its doors in 1978.

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After the school’s closing, the building was abandoned and left in disrepair. At the time, Wilkes Regional Medical Center and The Health Foundation were exploring locations for a wellness center. In response, local businessman Clarence Benton made a sizeable donation to The Health Foundation so the Foundation could purchase the building and restore it to use. Mr. Benton erected a plaque in memory of his beloved wife, Lucille and faithfully tended a flower garden in tribute to her. Engineers deemed the property unsuitable for the Wellness Center’s heavy equipment, and so The Health Foundation made improvements to the property while leasing spaces for $1 per year to nonprofit partners such as Wilkes Regional Medical Center, The Wilkes Partnership for Children, The Friends of the Library, and The Wilkes Playmakers.

 

In honor of his continued benevolence, The Health Foundation surprised Mr. Benton and renamed the property Benton Hall. The Foundation commissioned local artist Vic Spencer to complete the stained glass, installed at the grand entrance. A bee symbolizes Mr. Benton’s love of nature and the many kindnesses he pollinated throughout his lifetime. The Health Foundation later gifted the property to The Wilkes Playmakers with the stipulation that it forever be known as Benton Hall.

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The building’s auditorium, which is believed to have been used for plays and programs since the building’s construction over 100 years ago, now houses countless plays, musicals, concerts, and productions every year. Since 2000, Wilkes Playmakers has maintained the massive building. Now, there are people and activities in the building nearly every day, and many of Benton Hall’s beautiful historic rooms are available for business meetings, weddings, celebrations, and other professional and social functions.