Strand Theatre at Night

This image shows a night view of the Strand Theatre located at 140 Broad Street. When this image was taken, moviegoers could come and enjoy Buck Privates Come Home staring Abbott and Costello.

It should be noted that the Strand allowed Kingsport’s African-American community to attend shows unlike the State Theatre located just across Broad Street. Although blacks were allowed, the facility was segregated. The doorway on the right-hand side served as the segregated entrance where black customers entered prior to buying a ticket. The Strand had two balconies in addition to the main floor seating area. Whites were allowed to use the main area and the lower balcony while blacks had to sit in the uppermost section.