“Movie theatres are not just buildings; they house dreams, memories,
and culture. The venue is an integral part of the experience.”
– Ross Helnick, Author of CINEMA TREASURES
The Crandell Theatre is Columbia County’s oldest and largest movie theatre. This 534 seat theatre was built in 1926 by Walter S. Crandell, as a vaudeville house. The theatre’s brick and stucco architecture offers an impressive spanish design complete with arches and lanterns.
But the really cool thing is it’s many unique features not found in today ’s movie houses, like a full 26 foot wide and 13 foot deep stage with dressing rooms, a 112 seat balcony, an orchestra pit, and organ lofts on each side of the stage. The Crandell has a large concession stand, with approximately 50 different selections, and popcorn is popped daily on the premises.
Every other Sunday afternoon, The Chatham Film Club presents an independent or foreign film at Crandell Theatre.
Here’s an interesting video about the Crandell Theatre made by local filmmaker, Bruce Hallenbeck: