Etowah in McMinn County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
The Balcony
A Gem of a Show
Photographed by Tom Bosse, May 9, 2026
1. The Balcony Marker
Prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Black patrons were restricted to one half of the Gem Theatre’s balcony (the right side). They were required to enter through a separate door on 7th Street and were not allowed to purchase concessions or use the theater’s restrooms. Local residents recall Black moviegoers buying snacks at nearby drugstores and using the restroom at Shug’s filling station.
When you visit the Gem Theater’s balcony, note the design of the seats. Unlike the other seats, which have a comet design, a portion of the balcony seats have a swag design. These seats were located in the “Colored Section” and are likely original to the theater.
[Insert]: Etowah, Tennessee, Sanborn Insurance Map, 1925.
[Insert]: Motion pictures were not universally welcomed by the citizens of Etowah, as evidenced by this public notice from 1939.
[Caption]: ABOVE: Hubert Miller (left), manager, and John Miller (right), porter, at the Gem Theatre, 1959.
Erected by The City of Etowah & the Etowah Arts Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music
this page online
Location. 35° 19.47′ N, 84° 31.497′ W. Marker is in Etowah, Tennessee, in McMinn County. It is at the intersection of Tennessee Avenue (U.S. 411) and 7th Street, on the left when traveling north on Tennessee Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 700 Tennessee Avenue, Etowah TN 37331, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee. 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 original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, 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: The Lights (here, next to this marker); Gem (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Gem (here, next to this marker); World War I Memorial (about
Photographed by Tom Bosse, May 9, 2026
2. The Balcony Marker
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Photographed by Tom Bosse, May 9, 2026
3. The Balcony Marker
Photographed by Tom Bosse, May 9, 2026
4. The GEM Theater - Etowah, TN
Credits. This page was last revised on May 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 21, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
