movie theatre

B.W.A. Historical Marker Series, no. 33: Lincoln Theatre.

In this series, which will post on occasional Wednesdays, I populate the landscape of Wilson County with imaginary “historical markers” commemorating people, places, and events significant to African-American history or culture.

We been here.

LINCOLN THEATRE

Opened 1928 by Greek immigrant George C. Woller for an African-American audience. Featured motion pictures, musical and theatrical acts; hosted fundraisers for black schools and hospital. Badly damaged in fire in December 1932; did not reopen.

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, October 2025.

Carolina Theatre, 1934.

This exceptionally detailed photograph was taken in August 1934, when Hollywood Party played at the Carolina Theatre. The Carolina (later called the Drake) admitted African-American patrons only through a balcony entrance, visible behind the awning at bottom left.

Photo taken for Wilson Chamber of Commerce; print in collection of Lisa Y. Henderson.

Burch Williams’ Golden Follies at Lincoln Theatre.

Wilson Daily Times, 16 March 1928.

The Lincoln Theatre, a theatre catering to African-American audiences, operated in the late 1920s and early 1930s at 417 East Nash Street. Greek immigrant George C. Woller was the theatre’s proprietor. Burch Williams’ Golden Follies were a Black act, but white audiences could buy tickets for a special midnight show at another Greek-owned establishment, the European Cafe.

Clipping courtesy of J. Robert Boykin III.