The Carolina, downtown Anderson, SC., was operated until its closing
by the Osteen Family. Percy Osteen constructed a new Theatre, named
The Osteen, on N. Main Street, corner Greenville Street when the
Carolina closed. The Carolina ranked 2nd to the State Theatre in
Stature and 1st-run movies. It also featured Grade A Westerns and
was a very popular movie house in the 40’s and 50’s.
The State, Anderson, SC, owned & operated by same Chain as The Criterion, Anderson, SC. As stated (see Criterion)I worked as
an Usher, etc., from 1947-1950. The State ran mostly First-Run,
“A” Titles, while the Criterion featured First-Run Westerns,
Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, etc., “B” movies, and Personal Appearances
and Vaudeville-type acts. As a 13-year old, I was in the State
viewing a Movie when WWII ended, and the Mgr., Andy Hutchinson,
stopped the Movie, and made an Announcement on Stage that WWII was
over!
Originally constructed as an Opera House, the Criterion, Anderson, SC
was indeed located on W. Whitner St. I worked there as an Usher,
Popcorn Machine attendant, Ticket Taker, & subsequent Asst. Mgr., from 1947 to 1950. I remember it well to this day. Very ornate in its construction, it featured a large Marble Lobby, 500-plus seats on
the Main level, with 150-plus in the Balcony area, & six Box-Seats on
either side near the stage area, which was quite large in itself with
many huge Backdrops operated by hand. Many dressing rooms were located on the 2nd level, with three (3) in the basement level. Personal Appearances (mostly Western Stars) and Vaudeville-type Shows
continued well into the 50’s. Roy Rogers was the star of the day in
1948-52 and on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays, the line waiting to buy tickets for the 7 & 9 pm shows stretched clear around the block!
For more info, contact: Jim Compton –
The Carolina, downtown Anderson, SC., was operated until its closing
by the Osteen Family. Percy Osteen constructed a new Theatre, named
The Osteen, on N. Main Street, corner Greenville Street when the
Carolina closed. The Carolina ranked 2nd to the State Theatre in
Stature and 1st-run movies. It also featured Grade A Westerns and
was a very popular movie house in the 40’s and 50’s.
The State, Anderson, SC, owned & operated by same Chain as The Criterion, Anderson, SC. As stated (see Criterion)I worked as
an Usher, etc., from 1947-1950. The State ran mostly First-Run,
“A” Titles, while the Criterion featured First-Run Westerns,
Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, etc., “B” movies, and Personal Appearances
and Vaudeville-type acts. As a 13-year old, I was in the State
viewing a Movie when WWII ended, and the Mgr., Andy Hutchinson,
stopped the Movie, and made an Announcement on Stage that WWII was
over!
Originally constructed as an Opera House, the Criterion, Anderson, SC
was indeed located on W. Whitner St. I worked there as an Usher,
Popcorn Machine attendant, Ticket Taker, & subsequent Asst. Mgr., from 1947 to 1950. I remember it well to this day. Very ornate in its construction, it featured a large Marble Lobby, 500-plus seats on
the Main level, with 150-plus in the Balcony area, & six Box-Seats on
either side near the stage area, which was quite large in itself with
many huge Backdrops operated by hand. Many dressing rooms were located on the 2nd level, with three (3) in the basement level. Personal Appearances (mostly Western Stars) and Vaudeville-type Shows
continued well into the 50’s. Roy Rogers was the star of the day in
1948-52 and on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays, the line waiting to buy tickets for the 7 & 9 pm shows stretched clear around the block!
For more info, contact: Jim Compton –