Patricia Theatre & Little Patricia Theatre

120 Laurens Street NW,
Aiken, SC 29801

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Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on April 19, 2021 at 6:19 pm

The early 1940 opening for the Patricia Annex is very interesting. Jimmy Edwards always claimed that his Alhambra & Annex Theatre in Alhambra, California was the first twin cinema in the United States, but I don’t think his Annex opened until later in 1940. It looks like the Patricia might have beaten Edwards to the punch, though neither of them would have actually been the first twin cinema in the U.S., as at least a few twin storefront nickelodeons had operated in the early 20th century, and the Duplex Theatre in Detroit opened as a new-build twin in 1915.

rivest266
rivest266 on April 18, 2021 at 10:51 pm

This opened on October 7th, 1938, and the 2nd screen, the Patrica Annex on February 25th, 1940. This theatre should be listed with two screens. Grand opening ads posted.

TheALAN
TheALAN on February 13, 2016 at 5:28 pm

But does anyone have an exact opening and/or closing date for Patricia? Also, who was the architect and in what style was she designed?

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on August 8, 2015 at 12:56 am

The Patricia was most likely the proposed theater that was the subject of this brief item inThe Film Daily of October 30, 1937:

“Ram Plans Aiken House

“Aiken, S. C. — Working drawings have been started on a one-story motion picture theater building here for H. B. Ram. It will have brick walls and a carrara glass front.”

Herbert Ram also operated the State Theatre in Aiken.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on February 7, 2011 at 1:08 pm

Yeah,Tis,Our Friend Bill Barkley found this in the local paper and Mailed it to Nick,to work his Magic.

TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on February 6, 2011 at 3:13 pm

Great find Nick.Bing Crosby on the marquee priceless.

Nunzienick
Nunzienick on February 5, 2011 at 7:39 pm

Here’s a 1948 photo of 3 girls standing on the sidewalk with the Patricia Theatre marquee in the background:
View link

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on January 18, 2011 at 12:04 pm

I sent a nice picture down to Nick in Tampa on this theatre.hope he is able to put it on.I have sent alot of theatres,so i am sure he is backed up.

AndyCallahanMajorMajor
AndyCallahanMajorMajor on January 17, 2011 at 5:05 pm

Lassiez-Faire is at 120 Laurens Street NW.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on January 17, 2011 at 4:53 pm

Bill Barkley located the Patricia Theatre Building as Lassiez- Faire Realty,Laurens Street in Aiken. Thanks Bill.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on October 29, 2010 at 1:09 pm

Named after the owner’s daughter according to Aiken Theatre historian,Bill Barkley.