Grace Fisher, 1888-1954

Grace Fisher, 1888-1954

Considered a brilliant businesswoman, Grace M. Fisher was a true pioneer in downtown Cumberland’s development as an entertainment center. From the mid-1920s and well into the late 1950s she was a dominant figure in Cumberland’s movie theatre establishment. Those who knew her credit this success to her knowledge of films, technology, and business dealings within the movie theater and film industry.

At various times during this period Grace Fisher would, among other theaters elsewhere in the state, go on to acquire and operate movie theaters, the Maryland, Capitol, and Embassy, the latter which she opened herself in 1931.

This obituary appeared in the Carroll County (Maryland) Times, January 21, 1954:

“Funeral services for Mrs. Grace M. Fisher, wife of Frank L. Fisher, Cumberland, and former owner-manager of the Opera House and State Theater in Westminster, were held Monday afternoon. She died Friday, January 15, 1954, in Memorial Hospital, Cumberland, as the result of a stroke suffered the previous Sunday. Mrs. Fisher was well known throughout Maryland as the only woman theater owner-manager in the state. She purchased the State Theater from the late George L. Osborn in 1928 and operated that theater and the Opera House Fridays and Saturdays for several years. She also was active in civic affairs and was a member of the DAR and an honorary member of the Variety Club of America. She had retired from active business several years ago, but recently had returned to manage the Maryland Theater in Cumberland. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter Mrs. Vivian Dean Fisher and one granddaughter. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery. Services were conducted by her pastor, the Rev. Dr. H. T. Bowersox, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Cumberland.