Virma Theatre
Highway 19,
New Ellenton,
SC
29809
Highway 19,
New Ellenton,
SC
29809
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As a result of an executive order by President Harry S. Truman in 1950, 6,000 residents of Ellenton, SC and neighborhood communities were displaced for the construction of a plant to develop hydrogen bombs. Homes and buildings were relocated leaving only streets and sidewalks. The bulk of the population relocated 14 miles north creating New Ellenton which was then, rightly, called the fastest growing town in the United States. At the time the theatre was constructed the population was 4,011.
Among the new commercial structures in New Ellenton was the free standing concrete and steel Vilma Theatre which opened on Friday, May 15, 1953. Located on Highway 19 (aka Main Street), the building was white but the frontage was brick. The marquee was a single attraction board.
The theatre was air conditioned and described as luxurious with aqua walls, maroon drapes and matching seats with blonde frames.
The refreshment stand in the lounge served hot dogs, hamburgers, French fries and waffles in addition to the usual snack bar items.
The theatre was open Weekdays at Noon, Saturdays at 11:00 AM and Sundays at 2:00 PM.
The owners and managers were Joe Cox and H. N. Wages. Mrs. Wages worked in the office. The name of the theatre was derived from the names of the owner’s daughters, Virginia Wages and Marion Cox.
Sadly the enterprise didn’t succeed and the contents of the building were offered at auction on February 19, 1957.
Contributed by
rob boehm
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Recent comments (view all 2 comments)
I’ve uploaded an ad for the Virma and the notice of the auction both of which appeared in issues of the Aiken Herald.
I’ve uploaded two photos of the building which I believe housed the Virma. It fits the criteria: older white concrete building with brick frontage, on Highway 19 (Main Street), next to a mobile home park. If it is, in fact, still trying to verify that, the address would be 212 Main Street South.