“We used to go to it all the time when we were teenagers,” Yarborough said. However, in 1980, Thom Anderson wrote “…the Ace Drive-In opened on the Timmonsville Highway near where the old T’ville Highway meets the new one.”Ĭale Yarborough, Florence County NASCAR legend, remembers the Ace Drive-In. This corresponds exactly with the point at which Celebration Blvd. This drive-in was known as the “Ace”.Įarly advertisements for the Ace describe its location as “2 miles from five points” on hwy 76. In the spring of ’48 the brothers decided to discontinue the fairgrounds theater and open a new drive-in on the other side of town. The city of Florence campaigned to purchase a larger property east of the old Army Air Base to be used as the new fairgrounds. The theater was popular, but the fairgrounds were getting too small for the fair and the large crowds it attracted. Old news articles suggest that the Bensons may have been inspired to open their own drive-in after supplying camera equipment to a growing number of other theaters in the region. In the mid-1940s drive-ins were a growing trend and the Bensons saw potential profit in it. The Bensons ran Ace Camera Supply on Evans St. The “Florence Drive-In” was open most of the year, but closed for one week in the fall, when the fair came to town and overtook the fair grounds. The audio was often hard to hear over the sound of trains which frequently came down the tracks on the other side of the road. In his book “Remembering Florence”, former Morning News editor Thom Anderson recalls that cars pulled in to a large pasture-like area beside the fairgrounds, and that the films’ audio was played through large speakers mounted on top of the screen, which faced the highway. Stanley Benson of Florence.įrom July of 1946 to August of 1948, the brothers ran a small outdoor theater located at the Pee Dee fairgrounds, “… on the Darlington Highway (Lucas St), just west of Young Pecan Co.(now Seminar Brewing Co)”. The earliest drive-ins in Florence were owned and operated by Kenneth E. Twenty years later there were 4000 drive-ins throughout the country, mostly in rural areas. The first drive-in in the US opened in New Jersey in 1933. Spurred by the growth of the automobile and film industries, drive-ins quickly became an icon of American entertainment. If you're looking to enjoy some entertainment in Florence, SC, the Florence Little Theatre is a great venue.Drive in movie theaters first appeared in the US in the early 20th century. Renowned live music performances from tribute bands can also be found in local pubs along Dargan Street. For those looking to explore a little further beyond – take a day trip along US Highway 52 south near Lake City or head north towards Columbia or Greensboro via I-95 for some larger city sights. The Riverfront Park on the banks of the Pee Dee River has plenty going on throughout the year, with festivals, events, and recreational activities taking place year-round. From historical sites to outdoor parks and adventure activities - you're sure to find something to keep everyone busy here. The city of Florence, SC, is located in the Pee Dee region of the state and provides visitors with several options for entertainment, dining, shopping, and sightseeing. The theatre also prides itself on providing a platform for local talent to shine, and its dedication to producing quality shows for all ages has helped make it one of the most cherished venues in the area. With performances held regularly at this historic venue, it's easy to enjoy live theater while supporting a local group that loves creating art as much as showcasing it.įrom traditional plays to modern musicals and cutting-edge works, the theater offers an exciting array of productions that have made it a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Located in the heart of downtown Florence, this community theater group has been entertaining audiences since 1953. For an authentic taste of theater in South Carolina, the Florence Little Theatre is the place to be.
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