Rogers Theater 1950s

The revival of the "Rogers Theater" here in Cleveland County, brings back fond and bitter memories, see my Dad and Mother , were the janitors and I helped clean the floors, bath room. On the main floor, lots of seats, (plush ones for those times 1950s--) My help years were 1956-58, Shelby was home to maybe 5 movie houses, Webb- Corner of Washington and Marion St. ( playing Westerns) Carolina located on South LaFayette st. Also the State Theater on Washington st. and another, (forgotten name) And "The Rogers Theater," it was the Elite ,Top of the line, Beautiful, (I remember the Floor in the entrance way,, fancy "Black & White " marble or looked like marble. Best movies were shown there, : The River Of No Return, --with Robert Mitchum,, and Marilyn Monroe, just for one of the old ones,, Their Sound system was over-the top at that time in history, even the "MGM" Lion was loud, very loud!!!!

Those were the days, And I almost forgot,, I helped by also, taking the tickets for the "special folks" who had to be sitted up stairs, in the balcony, (Remember this was Seperate , but not equal times. The Special Folks " were we Blacks, or Coloreds as we were referred to. We even had our special "Staircaste" out side to walk up, rain or shine. But you could buy ,, treats , candies,, sodas, and remember "hot butter Popcorn?

Ah, as I say those were the days.. We even had our private "water fountain,-Color Black, but No bathrooms, wonder where did you run to?, in a big ,big hurry.