Robey Theatre
318 Main Street,
Spencer,
WV
25276
318 Main Street,
Spencer,
WV
25276
3 people
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Current article celebrating their 114 years.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/robey-theatre-wv/?fbclid=IwAR3kgsi6MtLY69c8CWOuG54K8zLZSKE1RAbbd9gb_PpId1DISfx4GSM4uns
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.
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 theater recently installed 3D equipment and added other upgrades: http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/201102051103
Here’s a 2008 black and white view: http://www.boxsetgallery.com/stein/index4.html
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.
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?
It’s a treasure. Kudos to the folks who keep it going!
Looks like a cozy little theatre. I am glad it has survived all these years.
Here’s a current photo of the Robey Theater at night, showing off it’s neon.
This theatre replaced two earlier theatres in the town that were operated by Haymond Robey from 1907 until 1911. This current theatre opened in 1911 as the Auditorium Theatre with an original seating capacity of 600.
In 1926 it was re-modeled by architects Carmichael & Millfaugh of Columbus, OH and re-opened as the Robey Theater on 8th September 1926 with the movie “Kiki” starring Norma Talmadge