I am talking about the Gem Theatre!
It is located at 111 West First Street, Cannon Village, Kannapolis, NC 28081.
It is an old theatre with such charm! They only play one movie for a week or two, but the Saturday matinee prices are $2 for adults and $1 per child. They sell a large soda for $2 and a large popcorn for $2, candy is $.75. A huge bargain. Evening movie prices are only $4 for adults and $2 per child. 
The Gem History: The Gen Theatre opened on Thursday evening December 31, 1936 under the management of the Cannon Memorial YMCA with a seating capacity of 1200. The opening picture was "Can This Be Dixie" starring Jane Withers. The Gem was built by Cannon Mills Company to replace the YMCA theatre which burned in 1936. A fire of unknown origin gutted the back section of the Gem Theatre on February 21, 1942. Only the front part was saved along with the projection booth upstairs. Because the country was in World War II, materials were not available to rebuild; however the concession stand area was used for the distribution of ration coupon's. The theater was rebuilt with an opening date of Monday, March 15, 1948. Opening picture was "You Were Meant For Me" featuring Jeanne Crain and Dan Dailey. Admission prices were 12 cents for children and 40 cents for adults. The formal opening of the rebuild Gem Theatre was held on Sunday, March 28, 1948. As a tribute to it's history, the Gem Theatre is featured in "The Historic Architecture of Cabarrus County" written by Peter Kaplan and is rumored to be one of the oldest single screen theatres in continuous operation in the US.
The Gem History: The Gen Theatre opened on Thursday evening December 31, 1936 under the management of the Cannon Memorial YMCA with a seating capacity of 1200. The opening picture was "Can This Be Dixie" starring Jane Withers. The Gem was built by Cannon Mills Company to replace the YMCA theatre which burned in 1936. A fire of unknown origin gutted the back section of the Gem Theatre on February 21, 1942. Only the front part was saved along with the projection booth upstairs. Because the country was in World War II, materials were not available to rebuild; however the concession stand area was used for the distribution of ration coupon's. The theater was rebuilt with an opening date of Monday, March 15, 1948. Opening picture was "You Were Meant For Me" featuring Jeanne Crain and Dan Dailey. Admission prices were 12 cents for children and 40 cents for adults. The formal opening of the rebuild Gem Theatre was held on Sunday, March 28, 1948. As a tribute to it's history, the Gem Theatre is featured in "The Historic Architecture of Cabarrus County" written by Peter Kaplan and is rumored to be one of the oldest single screen theatres in continuous operation in the US. Directions: Travel on Route 3 from Mooresville towards Kannapolis. Follow route 3 into Kannapolis, where route 3 takes a 90 degree turn to the right. Follow route 3 right. Once you've made this turn, route 3 is also called, Dale Earnhardt Blvd. Look for the first light, and prepare to turn left at it, which is Vance Street. Go through one light, and at the second light make a left hand turn onto West Avenue. Go through the first stop sign. Between the first stop sign and second stop sign, find a place to park. Exit vehicle and walk towards the second stop sign. Once you've reached the second stop sign, turn right and the Gem Theatre is on that street straight ahead!
It's the only place we see a movie! We just love the Gem!
1 comment:
Nice history lesson!
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