Robey Theatre
318 Main Street,
Spencer,
WV
25276
318 Main Street,
Spencer,
WV
25276
3 people
favorited this theater
Related Websites
Robey Theatre (Official)
Additional Info
Architects: Martin Laurence Millspaugh
Firms: Carmichael & Millspaugh
Functions: Movies (First Run)
Styles: Neo-Classical
Previous Names: Auditorium Theatre
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
304.927.1390
Nearby Theaters
The Robey Theatre opened in 1907 as a vaudeville house. In 1908 the Robey Theatre began exhibiting motion pictures. Rebuilt in 1911 it opened as the Auditorium Theatre. In 1926 it was remodelled to the plans of Columbus, OH based architectural firm Carmichael & Millspaugh.
The Robey Theatre is still open today and claims to be the oldest continuously running movie theatre in the U.S.
Contributed by
Lost Memory
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Recent comments (view all 11 comments)
Here’s a current photo of the Robey Theater at night, showing off it’s neon.
Looks like a cozy little theatre. I am glad it has survived all these years.
It’s a treasure. Kudos to the folks who keep it going!
Oh, I didn’t realize: this year is the 100th anniversary of the Robey’s opening! Anyone know the date the original Robey opened for vaudeville? Any chance the owner or any staff are following these comments?
Our family chooses to go to the Robey rather than drive to Charleston where there are probably 5 or 6 state of the art theaters to choose from. Some complain of the smell and the decor but we absolutely love it! The smell is of decades of popcorn and aged wall fabric and old-growth wood floors and trim. The bathrooms are adorable. You take a trip back in time while you are there. We couldn’t be happier with Spencer’s little theatre. The owners are very proactive in trying to snag movies that will sell out. They know their crowd and what will attract the numbers. Aaron Richardson has found a treasure.
Here’s a 2008 black and white view: http://www.boxsetgallery.com/stein/index4.html
The theater recently installed 3D equipment and added other upgrades: http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/201102051103
I spoke to a friendly employee of the Robey Theatre tonight and was impressed with the time she took to discuss its history and latest improvements. Being a former assistant manager of a single screen theatre, I realize the dedication it takes to maintain an old-fashioned movie house in this age of plastic high-tech. Thank you for keeping the spirit of simple movie-going alive and well in your community.
The surname of one of the architects of the 1926 remodeling of the Robey Theatre is misspelled in the “Firms” field. His correct name was Martin Laurence Millspaugh. I’ve been unable to discover Mr. Carmichael’s first name or initials.
Current article celebrating their 114 years.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/robey-theatre-wv/?fbclid=IwAR3kgsi6MtLY69c8CWOuG54K8zLZSKE1RAbbd9gb_PpId1DISfx4GSM4uns