Those of us who remember the days of going to the movies where there was only one screen, and a second movie--if it is was a double feature-- can take a nostalgic trip back in time to the Gem Theatre in Kannapolis, N.C.
We took our grandkids recently to the iconic building in the small town not far from where they live. We had not been to a theater like this in years!! It brought back so many memories and created new ones for our seven-year-old and eleven-year-old grandchildren.
A quick look at the web site of the theater revealed the history of the building. It originally opened in 1936 but was destroyed in a fire in 1942. Luckily, it was rebuilt in 1948 and remains open for everyone to enjoy, boasting it is one of the oldest-single screen movie theaters in continuous operation today. There are others in the country but not many.
In our youth, we often went to movies on Sunday afternoons with siblings, cousins, and friends. The films would run continuously so we never worried about coming in the middle of the movie. We would stay and watch it again or leave during the part playing when we arrived. And no one ran you off when the movie ended. You could stay all day. Fifty cents would buy the ticket, popcorn, soda, and candy.
The only modern amenities at the Gem are the use of credit cards and online ordering of tickets as well as social media including Facebook and Tweeter.
Otherwise, it is a true blast from the past and definitely worth a visit. Our grandkids loved it and next time want to sit in the balcony.It is a treasure that hopefully will continue operating for many years to come. If you aren’t near Kannapolis, N.C., look up single-screen theaters and maybe you will find one close to you. I hope so--it is worth the visit.
For more info, visit gem-theatre.com
It is probably one of the largest theaters too with more than 900 seats. And guess what, you can still sit in the balcony. Our grandson was especially taken by the balcony which I am sure is the first time he had seen one at the movies.
We regularly take them to the movies when we visit. Our daughter-in-law had told us about this one about 20 minutes away so we decided it was time to take in this nostalgic structure. And since the showing was the Lego Movie II, we knew it would be a hit. Definitely, the $4 ticket price for everyone (shows before 6 p.m.) was a draw.
We often visit the Paris theater in NYC (a single-screen theater with old velvet seats) when we get a chance, but this is closer and more reasonable. Both of these theaters are a little on the shabby side but that adds to the ambiance as you think of how many people have passed through these doors and sat in these seats. Movies have defined us in so many ways and bring the same art to us all whether in large cities or small towns.
We regularly take them to the movies when we visit. Our daughter-in-law had told us about this one about 20 minutes away so we decided it was time to take in this nostalgic structure. And since the showing was the Lego Movie II, we knew it would be a hit. Definitely, the $4 ticket price for everyone (shows before 6 p.m.) was a draw.
We often visit the Paris theater in NYC (a single-screen theater with old velvet seats) when we get a chance, but this is closer and more reasonable. Both of these theaters are a little on the shabby side but that adds to the ambiance as you think of how many people have passed through these doors and sat in these seats. Movies have defined us in so many ways and bring the same art to us all whether in large cities or small towns.
This adventure definitely did not disappoint. The concession stand was very thrifty with a large tub of popcorn for $4 and the service was quick.
No worry in finding a seat as there were plenty to go around. Forget the large chairs that rock, we were back to the short seats that didn’t move at all. A little stickiness on the floor was to be expected but not a game changer.
The place was packed with many, many children but that is the norm with this type of movie. Everyone behaved as the movie was enthralling.
The ticket booth out front was exactly as we remembered from our past. The marquee and lighting beckoned movie-goers to come on in. There were several showings the day we went so choices were plentiful.
My mind would wander as I sat in this theater so reminiscent of the ones we attended when we were much, much younger. The Logan Theater in Logan, W.Va. opened in 1938 with more than 1,000 seats. It was very similar to the Gem and also had a balcony, but did not manage to stay open as the Gem has.
My mind would wander as I sat in this theater so reminiscent of the ones we attended when we were much, much younger. The Logan Theater in Logan, W.Va. opened in 1938 with more than 1,000 seats. It was very similar to the Gem and also had a balcony, but did not manage to stay open as the Gem has.
The only modern amenities at the Gem are the use of credit cards and online ordering of tickets as well as social media including Facebook and Tweeter.
For more info, visit gem-theatre.com
So excited to read this! I grew up in Kannapolis and my mom's photography business was next door throughout my childhood. She has since closed the business. The Gem, is just what the name is.. a true Gem! Tickets were only $1 as recently as 2001. (Snacks and Drinks were 50cents) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
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