Mark I

126 Newberry Street,
Aiken, SC 29804

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The Mark I in Aiken was a theatre that seemed to be in search of a Mark II that was never built. The Mark I was not much of a theatre by looks. It was a metal type structure, very simple. I saw it from the road but never went in.

I guess it seated 400 or so and was open around 15-20 years maybe. Being a resident of Georgia I really don’t know much about this theatre. Once Regal opened a horrible little 8-plex by Aiken Mall the writing was on the wall.

"Summer of ‘42" played there and also James Coburn in "The Honkers" at 7 and 9 PM.

I have no idea what company owned this theatre. When I saw the ads in the Augusta papers I always thought: ‘shouldn’t there be a Mark II?’ Never was.

This theatre is long gone. Last time in Aiken I couldn’t find it. It was located downtown right off the commercial strip.

Contributed by Mike Rogers

Recent comments (view all 10 comments)

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on October 30, 2009 at 7:22 pm

Thanks Nick.The Mark 1 I am pretty sure was not owned by the same outfit that ran the CINEMA.For one thing,their ads were always separate.But both theatres were in easy walking distances.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on November 13, 2009 at 4:34 pm

According to Aiken County resident and theatre historian,Bill Barkley, The MARK 1 was Twinned sometime in the Middle to late 70’s.
I don’t have proof to prove Bill wrong. I have a MARK 1 newspaper ad Showing THE HONKERS playing there 1972, And earlier SUMMER of 42. So the MARK 1 does have some history behind it. In 1982 Bill said of the Christmas holidays His son, Britt to see SHARKEY’S MACHINE. Both theatre people Curt Harris and Joe Goode {owner of the ART THEATRE in Augusta} went to see the MARK 1.
Bill, said once REGAL went in in the mall it became a dollar house.It was torn down for the new AIKEN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER.

Like i said earlier it was a metal prefab building on Newberry St.
Thanks to Bill for this!

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on November 14, 2009 at 11:47 am

NOW PLAYING MARK 1

SEPT. 10 1971 …SUMMER OF 42. SHOWS at 7 & 9 pm. Admission is $1.50.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on January 9, 2010 at 3:16 pm

Now playing June 9 1972 THE LITTLE ARK rated G
NOW SHOWING July 2 1972 THE BISCUIT EATER rated G

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on October 29, 2010 at 1:34 pm

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” runs first run. The Mark I would be twinned in the late eighties as MARK II.Local residents missed that large screen when it was split into.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on October 29, 2010 at 1:35 pm

007 plays at the MARK II,“A VIEW TO A KILL” opens to strong crowds.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on January 4, 2011 at 3:01 pm

“OTHER SIDE OF MIDNIGHT ” opens April 30 1976.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on January 5, 2011 at 10:26 am

“SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT” opens 5-27-77 at the Mark I.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on June 9, 2011 at 7:21 pm

Sept 24 1971 “THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN” opens in Aiken.At Mark one.

Chuck1231
Chuck1231 on June 9, 2011 at 8:59 pm

The Aikens Performing Arts Group presents their performances at the URS Center for the Performing Arts located at 126 Newberry St. Aiken, SC. 29804

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