In 1925 Lemuel Lanier Drake realized his dream to create a vaudeville theatre in Anson County to provide a new cultural experience for the community. L.L. Drake created The Ansonia Amusement Company and sold stock in this endeavor and thus, The Ansonia Theatre was built and remained a thriving Playhouse for over half a century.

When The Ansonia Theatre opened it had an open lobby and could seat up to 500 people. Many popular shows play at The Ansonia such as Ollie Hamilton. The Bennett Brothers of Wadesboro supplied many of the costumes for Mr. Hamilton’s stage shows and Pauline Moore often played the piano for his shows.

While the Golden Age of Hollywood is part of our past, many still remember these days. The Ansonia got its start with the silent movies of the period, which were extremely popular at the time.

Mr. Drake was accomplished in numerous ways one being that he is recognized as running the first newsreel in the United States. The Silent Movies quickly gave way to the “talkies” with the first sound movie being “The Jazz Singer” staring Al Jolson. Other early movies included “Don Juan” staring Douglas Fairbanks, Hoot Gibson westerns and cartoons. Later came the classics of “Gone with the Wind” and “The Bohemian”.

During WWII, thousand of servicemen came to Anson County for military maneuvers and enjoyed the theatre’s performances. During this time, The Ansonia served double duty as a Catholic Church, opening for Mass on Sunday mornings.

In 1946, Mr. Drake leased the theatre to the chain of Stewart and Everett who remodeled the building several times over the next 25 years. The Post War years brought rapid change to the community; during this time television made its way onto the scene and the Saturday serials were no longer as popular. As a result, The Ansonia saw more stage performances. Movies changed to Walt Disney, Abbott & Costello and Bob Hope rose in popularity.

With the advent of the 60’s, the crowd shifted from family groups to young adult groups. In 1971 the management of The Ansonia was once again in the control of the Drake family. Brookie-Drake Craft, Mr. Drakes grand daughter took over management.

The Ansonia Theatre has been and remains an important part of the history, the culture and the community of Anson County.