Docsouth :: Going to the Show

Center Theater

313 West Chapel Hill St., Durham, North Carolina

Dates of Operation

12/18/1938* - 1966*

Performance Types

movies , musical performances

Capacity

1254

Racial Policy

segregated

Description

seating capacity 1254, 2 balconies ( one for whites and one for blacks). restrooms on the mezzanine level and black restrooms off of the second balcony. admission prices- weekly matinee- 30 cents, children- 10 cents, black balcony- 25 cents, evening- 40 cents. sunday/holidays- 40 cents. opens daily at 12:45 P.M. organ added for promotions and musical movies.

Notes

venue reserved for movies only, but was accompanied by a Wurlitzer organ. part of the Wilby-Kincey theater chain. art deco proscenium arch with organic shapes and colorful designs. racially segregated balcony. seperate entrance for black patrons on the exterior of the building on one side. no physical barrier between two sections of the balcony. no lounges for black patrons and small bathrooms. Organist- Bert Ponard. Building demolished in 1967

Building Notes

air conditioned, fireproof building, Western electrics microphone sound location guessed from current street names.

Associated Persons