Mount Airy in Surry County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Historic Earle Theater
Photographed By Sandra Hughes Tidwell, October 23, 2021
1. Historic Earle Theater Marker
To accomplish its mission of protecting, preserving, and promoting Surry County Music, the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall at the Historic Earle Theatre houses black and white portraits of Surry County's old-time music legends, memorabilia, and a small gift area featuring recordings and books. The Hall is the site of exhibits, audio-guided tours, lessons, educational workshops, dances, jams, and documentaries. The UNC-TV Folkways documentary, "Scurry County Music," is shown daily. The Earle also hosts concerts, live theatre, and movies. The Tommy Jarrell Festival is held there on the last weekend in February each year. WPAQ'S "Merry-Go-Round," the nation's second-longest continuously running live radio broadcast, is held on the stage weekly on Saturdays from 11:00 am until 1:30 pm.
The Historic Earle Theatre was built in 1938 by Earl Q. Benbow and Percy A. Boone. The vintage movie theatre seats over 400 people. In 1958, the premiere of "A Face in the Crowd," Andy Griffith's first movie, was featured at the Earle following a citywide "Andy Day." In 2009, the Earle was the site of the North Carolina premiere of Andy's last movie, "Play the Game." Just a few steps up the street to your right at 142 Main Street, you will find the Historic Earle Theatre. The Old-Time Music Heritage Hall at the Historic Earle Theatre is open daily.
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The North Carolina mountains and foothills were designated the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area in recognition of their natural beauty and living traditions of music, craft, agriculture, and Cherokee culture. This location is part of a regional trail of distinctive heritage sites. Ask for information at area visitor centers.
More information online at: www.blueridgeheritage.com
Erected by Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.
Location. 36° 29.967′ N, 80° 36.434′ W. Marker is in Mount Airy, North Carolina, in Surry County. Marker is at the intersection of North Main Street (County Highway 1668) and West Pine Street, on the right when traveling south on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 N Main St, Mount Airy NC 27030, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Easter Brothers (a few steps from this marker); Stoneman’s Raid (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Andy Griffith Show (about 700 feet away); Carlos Jones Blue Ridge Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Whittler
Photographed By Sandra Hughes Tidwell, October 23, 2021
2. Historic Earle Theater Marker
Also see . . .
1. Historic Earle Theatre. Blue Ridge Historic Trail website entry:
The Historic Earle Theatre is the home of the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall that is open seven days a week. The Hall exists to preserve, promote, and protect Surry County’s old-time music tradition. This is accomplished with exhibits, portraits of Surry County old-time music icons, audio guided tours, lessons, workshops, and a documentary that is played continuously daily. The exhibit highlights Surry County old-time music icon, Tommy Jarrell. (Submitted on November 6, 2021, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)
2. Earle History. Surry Arts Council website entry:
In 1958, after the arrival of television had closed down other theatres, the EARLE was in the possession of Stewart and Everett Theatres of Charlotte, North Carolina. Modernization was the order of the day. Air conditioning was installed to take the place of the giant squirrel-cage fan – that is still in the basement of the Earle. It is too big to fit through the doors. (Submitted on November 6, 2021, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2021, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 279 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 6, 2021, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
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