Draper "Y" Theater

The following is from a 1934 report on leisure activities in Draper, Leaksville and Spray. These towns are “Mill” towns and people are employed at textile mills. I think there is a connection between the Draper “Y” Theater and the Y.M.C.A. but I’m not sure exactly what it is.

“The Draper Y. M. C. A. opened its doors in May 1919, and today, 512 members enjoy opportunities which it offers. In 1923, the present secretary began his work, and under his direction, a camp (Camp Carolina) was built several miles outside of Draper. At Camp Carolina is a swimming pool which is an extremely popular rendezvous during the hot season. The physical program at the Draper “Y” includes tennis and golf, during the summer; and basketball, wrestling, volley ball, bowling, and football during the winter. The library equipment consists of about 100 books. The Draper “Y” also sponsors a Sunday Gang, similar in organization to that of Spray, which has already been discussed”.

“These communities offer many opportunities for one of the favorite leisure activities of the present day- attending picture shows. In Draper, there are two movie houses, one of which is in connection with the “Y”. Here, they show three different pictures a week, with two performances every night. In addition, a midnight show is given every Monday and Friday nights for the benefit of those who have to work until 11:55 P. M. On Boys’ Night at 6:00 P. M. another picture is given for their benefit. The admission for each is only ten and twenty cents. The pictures selected are those offered at any average up-to-date theater. At the other theater in Draper, the pictures are chiefly Wild Western. The admission is the same as at the “Y”, and the schedules are about the same”.

This theatre at one time was known as the Balmar Theatre. If you look closely you can see BALMAR.