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
this page online
www.theearle.org (336)786-2222 or (336) 786-7998
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. It 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
Photographed by Mark Parker, December 30, 2024
2. Historic Earle Theater Marker looking north on North Main Street
The marker is around the corner of the storefront shops, across from the Earle Theater, which is indicated by the arrow.
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Piedmont. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Easter Brothers (a few steps from this marker); Surry County Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Susan Pendleton Ashby Memory Wall (about 400 feet away); The First National Bank Building (about 600 feet away); Stonemans Raid (about 700 feet away); The Andy Griffith Show (about 700 feet away); Large Granite Millstone (about 700 feet away); The Andy Griffith Plaza (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mount
Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, October 23, 2021
3. 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 Countys 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.)
Photographed by Mark Parker, December 30, 2024
4. Full view of Historic Earle Theater
Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2021, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 684 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 6, 2021, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 2. submitted on January 1, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. 3. submitted on November 6, 2021, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 4. submitted on December 30, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
