By John Cofield

Decade after decade the Lyric Theater has stood sentinel over Van Buren Avenue. Through the years it has thrived and died, and thrived again.

In the building’s early years, William Faulkner’s father owned a livery stable there. In the 1920s it was a theater with live performances to which Ole Miss students flocked and later became the town’s first motion picture theater, even drawing in folks from the surrounding counties. 

In 1949, it hit its stride as William Faulkner arrived for the world premiere of the movie based on his novel, “Intruder in the Dust.” 

In later years The Lyric hosted untold thousands of locals and students. A weekend event for the town. But finally, larger finer theaters came to town and the building fell into decline. 

Then Oxford did what Oxford does and the fine old building was rescued and repaired. 

Today The Lyric hosts a variety of public and private events, with history oozing from every crack.