The Capitol Theatre was built as the Carmody Theatre in 1914 by Dennis Carmody, who placed a C on the back of each seat. B.A. "Dutch" Stover bought the theatre in the 192-s and, to avoid purchasing new seats, changed its name to the Capitol. Stover, a prominent Bend business leader and state legislator, came to Bend as a graduate of Ohio State University in 1914. He was known for opening his theatre for free parties for Bend children and granting free admission to Bend High School athletic teams, win or lose. He and his wife, Ruth, lived in Bend for more than 70 years and, although childless themselves, considered every Bend youngster as their own.