City Directories and History:The Palmetto Theatre, built in 1946, is significant as an intact example of a small-town, southern, post-war movie theater whose Art Deco-influenced Art Modern architecture reflects the social, economic, and aesthetic pressures of the period, as well as the immediate post-war transition between these two related architectural styles. Its continued use as a movie theater and live performance space to the present day, and the high degree of architectural integrity it retains, make the Palmetto Theatre highly significant at the local level. The Palmetto Theatre was the brainchild of owners T. G. “Mutt” Stanley, a one-time mayor pro term of Hampton, and Dr. James A. Hayne, Jr., a local physician. Design and construction of the building is attributed to Clarence L. Freeman of nearby Varnville. Based in part on the Carolina Theatre in Allendale, South Carolina, the design of the Palmetto features a prominent, ornate, projecting marquee and upper central pylon with highly stylized neon lettering and geometric patterns set against inset black pigmented structural glass panels. Built at a cost of $45,000, the theater was designed to seat 450 people, including balcony seats, and included upholstered, cushioned chairs with a red, white, and blue color scheme for the interior. Original projection equipment included RCA-Brenkert 35mm projectors with high intensity arc lamps. A soda shop located in an adjacent building, later known as the “Theatre Soda Shop,” offered “complete fountain service, sandwiches, and soups,” whether for “breakfast, dinner, or supper.” The Palmetto Theatre remains as one of only a small handful of Art Modern theaters in the state of South Carolina. Listed in the National Register October 9, 2012. (Courtesy of South Carolina Department of Archives and History)
Stay Connected
Explore history, houses, and stories across S.C. Your membership provides you with updates on regional topics, information on historic research, preservation, and monthly feature articles. But remember R&R wants to hear from you and assist in preserving your own family genealogy and memorabilia.
Visit the Southern Queries – Forum to receive assistance in answering questions, discuss genealogy, and enjoy exploring preservation topics with other members. Also listed are several history and genealogical researchers for hire.
User comments welcome — post at the bottom of this page.
Please enjoy this structure and all those listed in Roots and Recall. But remember each is private property. So view them from a distance or from a public area such as the sidewalk or public road.
Do you have information to share and preserve? Family, school, church, or other older photos and stories are welcome. Send them digitally through the “Share Your Story” link, so they too might be posted on Roots and Recall.
Thanks!