Grand Theatre
320 Greene Street,
Augusta,
GA
30901
320 Greene Street,
Augusta,
GA
30901
1 person
favorited this theater
The Grand Opera House name was later shortened to the Grand Theatre. Unlike most of Augusta’s screens except for the city’s black theatres, the Grand Theatre was located on Greene Street, away from Broad Street. It was a gem of a theatre, George M. Cohan was impressed when he visited stating it was "A most beautiful theatre". However,the beauty turned tragic when an arsonist burned the Grand Theatre to the ground, ashes and tears to Augustans. The arsonist was never caught. Killed in the fire was manager James Tant and his wife, Lula. He also managed the Imperial Theatre.
The Grand Theatre burned and flames were seen for miles in March 18 1922! Special thanks to Nick DiMaggio for encouragement in getting these theatres reserched and on CT.
Contributed by
MikeRogers
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Recent comments (view all 9 comments)
There was a Grand Opera House listed under Augusta GA in the 1897-98 edition of the Julius Cahn Official Theatrical Guide. Unfortunately, there are no street addresses in this Guide. The seating capacity was 1,650 and Sanford Cohen was the Mgr. Ticket prices ranged from 25 cents to $1.; the house had electric illumination, was on the ground floor and had 8 members of the pit orchestra. The proscenium opening was 34 feet wide and the stage was 36 feeet deep. There were 4 daily newspapers and one weekly. Hotels for show folk were the Arlington, Planter, Continental, and Virginia House. The 1897 population of Augusta was 45,000.
I could only Find Greene Street which is off Broad Street.
Nick.I have a picture of the Grand,if you could get it on.
620 Greene Street is the location,I think.
Can anyone come up with a “for sure” address, more info, or photos?
I will try and nail it down Thursday if I can find the book I was looking at at Borders.
I have pictures of several of these old theatres,but don’t have the equipment to get them on,Nick in Tampa was doing it for me,but i have no idea what happen to him.
Okay here is the scoop on the GRAND THEATRE. It was located at 320 Greene Street and 8th street.“MOVING PICTURES” was the first movie ever to play in Augusta shown Nov 3-4 1904.Bob, you always want photos well I have alot of pictures of Drive-ins and theatres.Don’t know what happened to Nick who use to print my stuff for CT. If you let me know and i will print my address,drop me a line with your address and I will gladly send you copies of all my theatres for you or anyone else to put on CT. I would love to see them on.Thanks.
I think all the above info is about I can find,unless someone else wants to give it a shot locally.