The State Theatre opened September 14, 1940 and closed sometime early in 1960. It was located at 113 North Boulevard in Orangeburg, SC., across from the Southern Railway passenger terminal and next door to the College Soda Shop.
The original owners are unknown, but a corporation was chartered in 1942 for the State Theatre Company with principals E. J. Haley and Louise J. Haley.
It was an important gathering place in the Black community for about 20 years, hosting not only films but community events such as blood test drives, supporting the war fund, sponsoring summer camp programs and hosting conferences. Occasionally it also had live entertainment including “Sugar Foot Sam from Alabam” a touring vaudeville show in 1951.
It closed in 1960 around the same time the next door College Soda Shop closed. As of February 2021, the building still exists and is vacant.
Ref: The Times and Democrat, 1940-09-14, 1942-03-03, 1944-11-14, 1947-08-12, 1949-12-29, 1952-08-22; State Theatre Flyer 1951-01-11, Orangeburg City Directories, 1947, 1950, 1953, 1956, 1958.
The exterior has gotten a face lift and unfortunately the wonderful old sign is gone now. Downtown Bamberg was “revitalized” in the late 1990’s and the Little Theater sits at the end of the changed section of Main street. As of March 2009 it appears that the theater is still being used, although primarily for civic functions rather than a movie house.
From “The Times and Democrat” (Orangeburg, SC Newspaper), June 15, 2008
The 2008 Old Friends Invitational Golf Classic schedule of events is as follows:
Friday, July 18 at 9 p.m. — Social and Auction at Little Theater (no charge to attend)
The State Theatre opened September 14, 1940 and closed sometime early in 1960. It was located at 113 North Boulevard in Orangeburg, SC., across from the Southern Railway passenger terminal and next door to the College Soda Shop.
The original owners are unknown, but a corporation was chartered in 1942 for the State Theatre Company with principals E. J. Haley and Louise J. Haley.
It was an important gathering place in the Black community for about 20 years, hosting not only films but community events such as blood test drives, supporting the war fund, sponsoring summer camp programs and hosting conferences. Occasionally it also had live entertainment including “Sugar Foot Sam from Alabam” a touring vaudeville show in 1951.
It closed in 1960 around the same time the next door College Soda Shop closed. As of February 2021, the building still exists and is vacant.
Ref: The Times and Democrat, 1940-09-14, 1942-03-03, 1944-11-14, 1947-08-12, 1949-12-29, 1952-08-22; State Theatre Flyer 1951-01-11, Orangeburg City Directories, 1947, 1950, 1953, 1956, 1958.
Correction, here is the link to the theater, the above link is incorrect, and note, the address listed above is erroneous.
An approximate address of the Little Theater according to Google is:
3165 Main Hwy, Bamberg, SC 29003
Link: <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=3165+Main+Hwy,+Bamberg,+SC+United+States&sll=33.2954,-81.035621&sspn=0.00287,0.008894&ie=UTF8&ll=33.295391,-81.035575&spn=0.00287,0.008894&t=h&z=17&iwloc=addr&layer=c&cbll=33.295393,-81.035599&panoid=YIddeb9BG_6msnBnNYFtlA&cbp=11,105.21129105304016,,0,5>
The exterior has gotten a face lift and unfortunately the wonderful old sign is gone now. Downtown Bamberg was “revitalized” in the late 1990’s and the Little Theater sits at the end of the changed section of Main street. As of March 2009 it appears that the theater is still being used, although primarily for civic functions rather than a movie house.
Google Maps Link:
View link
From “The Times and Democrat” (Orangeburg, SC Newspaper), June 15, 2008
The 2008 Old Friends Invitational Golf Classic schedule of events is as follows:
Friday, July 18 at 9 p.m. — Social and Auction at Little Theater (no charge to attend)
The October 13, 1945 Issue of BoxOffice Magazine reports:
“J. W. Hand reopened his Little Theater in Bamberg, S.C. It has been closed for many weeks for remodeling.”
In March 2009, a storytelling festival was held in Bamberg, with one of the locations “SCARLETT’S LITTLE THEATER”.
In February 2007, The “Little Theater” hosted the Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours” event.