For a while, it was king of the hill
September 19, 2022 7:36 pm
There was a time when movie-goers had a number of choices in downtown Atlanta. From the Loew’s Grand and the Paramount to the 81 and the Roxy, the options on Peachtree Street were plentiful. In the early 20th century, Atlanta boasted the largest movie theater in the Southeast and it’s still in operation today. Only, it may not be the one you’re think it is. Let’s find out in this week’s Stories of Atlanta.
It would be interesting to have a chat with you about Atlanta history, if you’d care to write or call. I originally came to Atlanta
at five-years-old in 1946 and lived across the street from then-Boys’ High, later moving to Ansley Park adjacent to the old Governor’s Mansion. My best friend was Herman Talmadge’s son who had free passes to every theater in town. And we went to every one.
Later, in 1972, when the Fox was threatened, I wrote a magazine piece, “A Love Song to the Fabulous Fox,” that inspired the formation of the group that saved the theater. Anyway, maybe there are a few historical things I can help you with. If you have any interest in doing so, feel free to drop me a note.
William HedgepethReport