Docsouth :: Going to the Show

Carolina

108 E. Franklin St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Dates of Operation

10/16/1942* - 2005*

Performance Types

movies

Capacity

1141 (10/16/1942*)

Racial Policy

Description

Opened daily at 12:45. 5 shows, first beginning at 1:00. Admission price 33 cents.

Notes

The old Carolina Theatre was renamed the Village Theater and turned over to the Naval Pre-Flight Schol. The Theater was called a “Handsome Colonial Revival Building”. Renovations replaced marquee with a porch and columns. Molded brick to frame windows. Toilets on the mezzanine level. Men’s toilets were larger than women’s, reflecting the predominantly male population at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, close to where the theater is located. Not designed to accommodate African American patrons along with white patrons. Opened before severe wartime regulations and material shortages. 1961, the Carolina became a focal point for efforts to de-segregate local businesses.

Building Notes

air conditioned fireproof designed by Erle Stillwell

Associated Persons