The unveiling of Hogansville’s Royal Theater was held Saturday, November 9, at 7 P.M. The City of Hogansville is proud to invite guests back after more than 40 years.
The Royal Theater first opened in 1937 and remained a movie theater until 1980, captivating the region, as it was once the largest theater between Atlanta and Columbus. Since 1984, the Royal Theater was used solely for Hogansville city council, until now.
After much funding and many years of restoration, The Royal Theater will return to its original purpose: a city owned and operated movie theater, live-action theater, and a location for community events.
Rob Dipell, Executive Director, has assisted theaters across the country with their reopening. He states, “It’s been more than 10 years of planning and renovations; we’re all really excited to see this come to fruition.” Even with decades worth of restoration, the theater maintains the 1930s architecture charm of the historic landmark.
Volunteers spoke about how excited they were for the reopening, “We used to come here every Saturday night in the 70s. One summer, they played Jaws every weekend, and we had a great time no matter how many times we watched it.” Coincidentally, Jaws will be the first film shown at the Royal Theater on November 16th at 7:00 P.M.
Andrew Allison with Atlanta Search Lights comments further on the nostalgia of the theater: “I used to come here when I was in primary school just down the road; there are a lot of fond family memories here, and I was more than happy to assist in the unveiling.” The monumental theater remains a staple in Hogansville.
The Bradley Family was especially happy to attend the event, winning 13 tickets from The Bear 92.5.
Jake Ayers, Mayor of Hogansville, addresses the congregation: “No matter what generation you’re a part of- theater, music, art- it’s something that births dreams in us, it’s something that brings us together, it’s something that transcends, no matter where you’re from or where you’re going.”
Ayers paid tribute to Hogansville’s late mayor Bill Stankiewicz and his wife Mary for the hand they had in the theater’s restoration before Ayer’s reign. Additionally, he pays tribute to Lisa Kelly, Hogansville’s City Manager with more than 20 years of service in the smalltown, and Lynn Miller, who sought out an abundance of grants and even postponed her retirement for the Royal Theater.
In addition to films, music, plays, and more, concessions are available for purchase: popcorn, candy, Coca-Cola products, bottled water, and select wine and beer choices, including Wild Leap Brew Co, a local favorite.
Alexandrea Boyett, Box Office Manager, was thrilled to be an integral part of the event, and welcomes volunteers to the theater.
Mark Foster and his team at LaGrange Auto Gallery Chevrolet and GMC helped sponsor this event as well as Roger’s BBQ in Hogansville.
The City of Hogansville gives a special thank you to the organizations that assisted with this 3.7 million renovation: Fox Gives, T-Mobile, Georgia Council for the Arts, Callaway Foundation, USDA Rural Development, Vote Yes for Splost, Georgia Historic Preservation Division, John and Glenda Jones, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Be sure to take a look at their upcoming events on their website, 1937royaltheater.com.
Visit them at 400 East Main St. Hogansville, GA 30230 or reach them at (678) 326-6221.
