Smithfield Theatre

wsasser on December 23, 2016 at 4:24 pm

I think that I have put the issue of location to bed.

The first Smithfield Theater – The Jamestown was located in the 100 block of Main Street and closed in April 1931.

In April 1932, Captain Scott opened the Smithfield in a building next to the Delk Department Store located in the 200 Block of Main. He leased the building from Mr. Delk.

In 1937, Jesse Scott, now the owner, purchased the theater building and an adjoining building from Mr. Delk and remodeled the Smithfield into a theater that sat about 60% more.

In May 1940, Pitts-Roth Chain purchased Theatre and in July, the Theatre was remodeled.. Seating of 400 on main floor and 150 in the balcony for the black community.

Added restrooms for both races.

Pitts-Roth owned the Theatre until 1955 when they sold to a local resident, Roy Richardson.

wsasser on December 21, 2016 at 8:34 am

I talked to the Editor of the local newspaper this a.m. He grew up in Smithfield. The Smithfield Theater did not open next to the Jamestown Theater which was in the 100 block of Main Street. The Smithfield opened next to Delk’s Department Store at 229 Main Street and was open at that location until it closed. Both the Delk building and the Theatre building remain in place being used for office and retail space.

wsasser on December 12, 2016 at 8:42 am

I do not think that it was built next to the Jamestown based on what I have seen on-line. Just my opinion. The Historical Society said that the address was 229 and is now occupied by a lawyer – would think that they would be in the know

wsasser on December 11, 2016 at 3:27 pm

The local historical society sent me the following message:

The Smithfield theatre was located at 229 Main Street

kencmcintyre on January 5, 2007 at 3:56 pm

Here is an undated photo when the theater caught fire:
http://tinyurl.com/v3ypo