I spent many nights at the Lamar during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. I lived up the street and was one of the neighborhood regulars. Normally, I could be found at Mr. Crawford’s poolhall or Reaves' Drugstore, both across the street from the theatre. I met my first wife at the consession, where she was employed by the Shapiro owners. Her name was Dee Dee Weaver, and she worked with Tasha and Nancy Steelman, who sold tickets. In the late evenings, after the Shapiros collected the reciepts and departed, all the local guys were allowed to come in and watch the late show without paying. Back then we had no money, and the manager —I can’t remember his name— would tell the girls to admit us for free. My buddy, Clint Combs, was sweet on Tasha, and I liked Dee Dee, so we were there most nights. I later married Dee Dee and we had three children in 34 years of marriage.
The Rosemary theatre was never known as the Rosewood. As a young man I frequented both the Rosemary and the Rosewood, and the later was located in South Memphis on Lauderdale Avenue. The Rosewood was of later design and construction, with some dark marble front. Also, the Rosewood was much larger. Of Course, Mr. Nickas is entirely correct in his historical comments. Another question, if I may…does anyone remember “Ronnie, the Rosemay Kid?” He was a mentally-challenged young man who was almost a fixture at the Rosemary. He just came to my mind, and I wondered if others remembered him.
I spent many nights at the Lamar during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. I lived up the street and was one of the neighborhood regulars. Normally, I could be found at Mr. Crawford’s poolhall or Reaves' Drugstore, both across the street from the theatre. I met my first wife at the consession, where she was employed by the Shapiro owners. Her name was Dee Dee Weaver, and she worked with Tasha and Nancy Steelman, who sold tickets. In the late evenings, after the Shapiros collected the reciepts and departed, all the local guys were allowed to come in and watch the late show without paying. Back then we had no money, and the manager —I can’t remember his name— would tell the girls to admit us for free. My buddy, Clint Combs, was sweet on Tasha, and I liked Dee Dee, so we were there most nights. I later married Dee Dee and we had three children in 34 years of marriage.
Kenneth Stiverson
The Rosemary theatre was never known as the Rosewood. As a young man I frequented both the Rosemary and the Rosewood, and the later was located in South Memphis on Lauderdale Avenue. The Rosewood was of later design and construction, with some dark marble front. Also, the Rosewood was much larger. Of Course, Mr. Nickas is entirely correct in his historical comments. Another question, if I may…does anyone remember “Ronnie, the Rosemay Kid?” He was a mentally-challenged young man who was almost a fixture at the Rosemary. He just came to my mind, and I wondered if others remembered him.