County of theater: Bartow County
Location of theater: 7 N. Hall St., Cartersville
Phone: (770) 386-7343
Tickets: Tickets: 770-607-3686
Architects: Daniell and Beutell
Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m
"In January of 1910, Mr. J.W. Smith of Atlanta announced that he would soon be constructing a new Opera House at the corner of Wall Street and Market Streets in downtown Cartersville, Georgia in the old Exchange Hotel. In November of that year, The Greenwood Theatre was opened. Patrons entered from Market St., now known as Cherokee St. The theatre, which occupied the second floor of the building, seated 800 and featured a 20-foot by 50-foot stage.
"The Grand Theatre was originally operated by Manning and Wink Enterprises. Daniell and Beutell were the architects (also architects for the Madison and Buckhead Theatres in nearby Atlanta, GA).
"The Grand has a most impressive neo-Palladian front with double pilasters framing three plaster panels. The upper facade cornice was quite elaborate, flanked with classical urns, a railing of stone balusters at each end, and “faux fenestration” of three oriole windows.
"January of 1911, a contest was held in which the stylish young ladies of the town sought to find a new name for the theatre. The winning entry was Grand Opera House, suggested by Miss Emily Daves.
"Performances at the new opera house included live shows such as orchestra concerts and plays by community theatre groups. Also featured were silent “moving pictures”, and there was a different show each night.
"On November 15, 1923, tragedy struck when a fire broke out in the stable located adjacent to the opera house. The entire block was destroyed, including the theatre. Mr. Germain, the theatre operator, also resided in the building, and was able to escape unharmed with his wife. The theatre was rebuilt on a smaller scale using some of the outer walls of the building which were still standing, and it reopened in 1924. It was that year that it began to bear the name, The Grand Theatre.
"With the new name came new stars and constant improvements in theatre technology. Techniques in lighting, costume, and makeup gave a more professional look to the movies. Often seen on the screen at The Grand during the 1920’s were movie stars such as Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Loretta Young, Rudolph Valentino, and Charlie Chase.
"The first “talkie”, or motion picture with synchronized picture and sound, debuted on May 9, 1929. It was called “Syncopation” and was advertised as the entertainment sensation of the age.
"In 1930, a newly designed façade was built on the theatre featuring the Beaux-Arts style of architecture with Corinthian columns, urns, swags, and an elaborate marquee. The interior was appointed with plaster relief carvings, stained glass skylights, and terrazzo flooring. A small stage remained for occasional live performances, but motion pictures were the main attraction. It was advertised as offering new air conditioning, cushions on the seats, a new screen, and the latest talking devices.
"In the 1940’s, film star Lash Laroo appeared in person at the Grand, as did western stars Kitty Wells and Little Beaver.
"Throughout the years, the Grand was the place to go for family entertainment. On Saturdays, the house was filled every weekend with children who came to spend the day. For the price of a quarter, a kid could see a cartoon, serial, a western, a newsreel, and a main feature and still have money left over for popcorn and a soda. Most patrons had their favorite seats and many have fond memories of spending the day with friends, while occasionally getting into trouble from the theatre manager, Mr. Anthony, who ruled the Grand with an iron hand.
"Late in the summer of 1977, the Grand Theatre, then owned and operated by the Martin Theatre Company, presented its last movie performance with “Silver Streak” starring Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor.
"Today, the Grand Theatre serves as a cultural center for the community. The summer music theatre program now serves over 100 students per year. The Grand hosts school groups all during the year for educational performances. Groups also come individually and learn about areas of the school curriculum through drama, music, and dance. An annual Entertainment Series is presented featuring professional performing groups of many genres including country music, orchestral concerts, comedy, drama, musical theatre, and bluegrass." ~ The Grand Theater