Ellenton Theatre

Despite having movies available to them for a considerable period time Ellenton didn’t have an actual theatre until 1941 when Sidney O'Berry created the Ellenton Theatre in a former store front. Seats were curved wooden benches with backs. There was a rail down the center of the theatre to separate whites from persons of color. The opening attraction was “Sierra Sue” with Gene Autry.

Previously movies had first been shown in a tent using hand cranked projectors. Around 1938 they were shown in a more formal Airdrome environment. Attempts were made to enclose the Airdrome but the makeshift roof and walls collapsed in the elements. After a period of time the Ellenton Theatre was born.

Without evidence to the contrary it would appear that the theatre continued to operate until the early-1950’s when the Federal Government acquired the property of Ellenton and neighboring communities for the Savannah River Project relating to the creation of a hydrogen bomb. Some 6,000 area residents were forced to relocate. All that remains of the old town are streets and sidewalks.

See the Virma Theatre on Cinema Treasures, which was created in New Ellenton.

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