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Bailey

16 N. Front Street, Wilmington, North Carolina

Dates of Operation 1940* - 1980*
Performance Types movies
Capacity 1250 (12/23/1940*)
Racial Policy segregated (1940*)
DescriptionThe Bailey was a purpose-built downtown movie theater constructed in 1940 at 16-18 North Front Street, on the site of the Purcell House Hotel.
NotesIts grand opening on December 23, 1940 consisted of a parade at which the mayor was present to receive the theater on behalf of the city.
Building NotesThe theater had a modern façade with vertical stucco columns and a prominent marquee. There was space for two store fronts on either side and both live and cinematic productions could be accommodated. The Bailey was racially segregated, with an entrance for African American patrons to the left exterior of the building and separate balcony seating. The architect, Erle Stillwell, designed the Bailey with two balconies: a lower one for white patrons and an upper balcony for African Americans.
Associated Persons
NameRole
Bailey, George W. proprietor (1940*)
Baker, Weldon decorator (12/22/1940*)
Burris, Mary Helen cashier (12/22/1940*)
Dellinger, Dorothy cashier (12/22/1940*)
Grist, A.S. manager (12/22/1940*)
Mitchell , Mrs. Hoyt secretary (12/22/1940*)
Stillwell, Erle architect (2/1940)
Stone, Ervine manager (12/22/1940*)
Associated Organizations
NameRelationship
Carolina Printing and Stamp Co. unknown (12/22/1940*)
Electric Maintenance Co. unknown (12/22/1940*)
Orkin Exterminating Co. unknown (12/22/1940*)
Western Electric Company unknown (12/22/1940*)
Wilmington Theaters, Inc. unknown (1940*)
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Images

Commentary

  1. Bailey Theater, Wilmington, N.C. 1940 Commentary
  2. Bailey Theatre Timeline Commentary

Newspaper Clippings

  1. Grand Opening
    Wilmington Morning Star - 12/20/1940
    Tags: feature film; film title; opening notice
  2. Acoustics Fine at New Theatre
    Wilmington Morning Star - 12/22/1940
    Tags: balcony; band or orchestra; company; sound films
  3. Bailey Theatre Sets High Mark
    Wilmington Morning Star - 12/22/1940
    Tags: admission price; air conditioning; architect; balcony; children; feature film; film title; hours of operation; manager; opening notice; seating capacity; sound films; ventilation
  4. New Bailey Theater Opens Here Monday
    Wilmington Morning Star - 12/22/1940
    Tags: air conditioning; company; feature film; film title; manager; music; opening notice; seating capacity; sound films
  5. Newest Type Western Electric Mirrorphonic Sound at Bailey
    Wilmington Morning Star - 12/22/1940
    Tags: company; feature film; film title; manager; sound films
  6. View From Balcony of New Bailey
    Wilmington Morning Star - 12/22/1940
    Tags: balcony; company; feature film; film title; hours of operation; newsreels; seating capacity
  7. Bailey Theatre Will Open Today
    Wilmington Morning Star - 12/23/1940
    Tags: feature film; film title; opening notice
  8. Bailey Theatre Will Open Today, contd.
    Wilmington Morning Star - 12/23/1940
    Tags: band or orchestra; company; hours of operation; music; opening notice
  9. Bailey Theatre Formally Opened
    Wilmington Morning Star - 12/24/1940
    Tags: band or orchestra; feature film; film title; hours of operation; manager; music; opening notice
  10. Colony is Closed - Theatre Began as the Victoria - No Plans For Old Structure
    Wilmington Star - 10/31/1974
    Tags: actualities; alias; architect; band or orchestra; closing; company; feature film; film title; hotel; manager; name change; renovation; re-opening; seating capacity; sound films; vaudeville