Naff, Lula C., 1875-1960

America’s First Lady of theater management served as general manager of Ryman Auditorium from 1920 until her retirement in 1955. She was a rare female gem in a male dominated industry. She even went by L.C. Naff to avoid criticism and bias. Her influence on the Ryman really began in 1904, as a secretary/bookkeeper for the Delong Rice Lyceum Bureau that booked entertainment for the Ryman. When the agency dissolved in 1913, the widow had to come up with a way to continue taking care of her young daughter and elderly mother. With her moxie, she convinced the Ryman board of directors to allow her to rent the venue. She secured the lease and began renting out the auditorium on her own for events.