State Theatre
9 North Boulevard,
Orangeburg,
SC
29112
9 North Boulevard,
Orangeburg,
SC
29112
1 person
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The State Theatre was operating as an African-American theatre from its opening on September 14, 1940. It was closed in 1960. It was operated by Booker T. Theaters chain.
Contributed by
Ken Roe
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The State Theatre opened September 14, 1940 and closed sometime early in 1960. It was located at 113 North Boulevard in Orangeburg, SC., across from the Southern Railway passenger terminal and next door to the College Soda Shop.
The original owners are unknown, but a corporation was chartered in 1942 for the State Theatre Company with principals E. J. Haley and Louise J. Haley.
It was an important gathering place in the Black community for about 20 years, hosting not only films but community events such as blood test drives, supporting the war fund, sponsoring summer camp programs and hosting conferences. Occasionally it also had live entertainment including “Sugar Foot Sam from Alabam” a touring vaudeville show in 1951.
It closed in 1960 around the same time the next door College Soda Shop closed. As of February 2021, the building still exists and is vacant.
Ref: The Times and Democrat, 1940-09-14, 1942-03-03, 1944-11-14, 1947-08-12, 1949-12-29, 1952-08-22; State Theatre Flyer 1951-01-11, Orangeburg City Directories, 1947, 1950, 1953, 1956, 1958.