RETRO charlotte
PHOTO
COURTESY
OF
ROBINSON-SPANGLER
CAROLINA
ROOM
–
CHARLOTTE
MECKLENBURG
LIBRARY
Carolina Theatre
Imagine it's 1927 in Charlotte. It's a cool Friday evening, and you are
planning a special night out at the newly opened Carolina Theatre
in the heart of the city. The silent film "A Kiss in a Taxi" is playing.
You've dressed in your best ensemble, which includes a hat and
gloves for ladies and a suit for men. Your finest cigarettes in tow,
you purchase a ticket for 35 cents and settle into your seat in the
exquisite, modern theater.
Drawing crowds to enjoy cinematic masterpieces for more than
50 years, the Carolina Theatre hosted such talents as Bob Hope,
Katharine Hepburn, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley in its heyday.
Just shy of 90 years later, the Carolina Theatre stills stands—
though, now vacant—on the busy corner of North Tryon and 6th
streets. The once-bustling entertainment haven closed its doors in
1978. Despite its 38-year dormancy, current efforts are being led by
the Foundation for the Carolinas to restore the venue to its former
splendor and glamour.
By Abby Blanton
64 OCTOBER 2016