The auditorium was named after the late Mr. Elmer E. Lyon, a former principal of Covington High. Mr. Lyon was noted for consolidating the rural schools around St. Tammany Parish into larger educational facilities. Covington High School was temporarily changed to Lyon High School in the early 1950s. Unfortunately a public building could not be named after a living person, so the name was permanently changed back to Covington High School.

The new building was to be used for drama productions, parish wide programs, and choir presentatins. The first drama production to be performed in the auditorium was the Christmas play "The Gift of the Magi." The spring play,
Virtue Victorious, was also performed in the spacious facility. In addition, the Clemson Choir performed in the facility.