The Charlotte Observer, August 11, 1996

Usher recalls details of Carolina Theatre

Letters to the editor

Your July 31 Mecklenburg Neighbors [regional supplement] was a delight to read. I was an usher at the old Carolina Theatre during its heyday years of 1945-1947. I hope it can be re-opened with just a small flavor of its grandeur.

There were mistakes in the article. The mast notable is that the photo of the interior is actually a photo of the interior of the old Imperial Theatre, which was 3 blocks south of the Carolina Theatre on South Tryon Street. A comparison of that picture with the cover picture should show that they are not the same.

Also, the article mentions the smell of popcorn at the gala of "Gone With The Wind," which occurred in 1939, but popcorn sales didn't take place at the Carolina Theatre until 1946. I worked there when popcorn-making cookers were installed in a back room at the stage door entrance. The popcorn was stored in large card-board barrels and taken to the lobby for sale in boxes for 15¢ per box. This kept the smell of cooking popcorn out of the lobby and theatre.

You do a good job of keeping citizens informed of the news and happenings in the community, and we'll let you know when your articles don't match the facts.

ROBERT EARL STEPHENSON

Charlotte

The photograph of the interior was provided by the Arts & Science Council, which identified it as the Carolina Theatre — Editors, The Observer.