Comments about Echo Theatre in Laurens, SC

Gerald A. DeLuca on November 20, 2021 at 4:08 pm

Notes on the Echo Project: https://www.libertyfellowshipsc.org/news/michael-allen-14-re-designing-former-kkk-museum

reg41 on May 13, 2021 at 8:49 pm

I attended this theatre as a 5 or 6 year old to see “The Yearling,” which was released in 1946. In the mid-1960s I occasionally drove a few blocks out of my way, just to see the old theatre. So I noticed that someone made a brief attempt to reopen the Echo. I could tell that the lobby and concessions had been redone, but I do not know about the seating, screen, etc. As evidence of this reopening, see one of the photos that has “Dr. Zhivago” (released 1965) on the marquee.

Gerald A. DeLuca on February 20, 2021 at 3:54 pm

CBS NEWS piece on the theatre. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/transforming-a-white-supremacist-meeting-hall-into-a-center-for-diversity-and-reconciliation/

Cmanni on February 17, 2021 at 9:20 am

Interesting site about the history and renovation plans for the theatre: https://www.rehabhate.com/theater.html

rsalters (Ron Salters) on February 1, 2020 at 1:56 pm

The Associated Press had a long feature article today about this theatre. There is a new movie “Burden” which will be released soon and which is about the theatre and the curious bond between its former owner (white) and the church pastor (black) who purchased it. The church hopes to open a civil rights museum there. Website: rehabhate.com

Labonte18 on May 15, 2018 at 10:49 pm

This is all old news, mostly.. The Redneck shop closed permanently in about May of 2012. Google streetview still shows the signage up as of December 2012, which is the latest imagery directly looking at the building.

John Howard, who owned the shop, passed away September 6, 2017.

The location of this theater, you have to really go by there to see it, and I haven’t been by it in years. So far as I know, the church has done nothing with it. The marquee lettering proclaiming it the “Redneck Shop” was removed, that’s about it.

https://goo.gl/maps/3aZSr9AkBq82

that’s a google street view of it from the corner, seemingly the latest image in December of 2016.

CSWalczak on January 13, 2012 at 2:12 am

NY Times article about that recent events involving this heater with a picture (subscription may be required):

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/13/us/in-laurens-sc-the-redneck-shop-and-its-neighbor.html?_r=1&hp

Patsy on January 5, 2012 at 2:06 pm

Thanks Chuck for the good news follow-up information. Do hope and pray there aren’t any problems with the change of ownership!

irvl on January 5, 2012 at 12:16 pm

I agree with Patsy. What a disgusting use of a fine old theatre.

Patsy on January 4, 2012 at 9:14 am

I’m very saddened to learn about this theatre and how it is being used in 2012. I’m about to read the book by David Margolick, Elizabeth and Hazel. Perhaps all of us should read it and add To Kill A Mockingbird to that list of civil rights books.

TLSLOEWS on April 22, 2010 at 4:09 pm

A K.K.K. museam,whats up with that.

AndyCallahanMajorMajor on December 27, 2009 at 3:14 pm

This is a picture from December 2009.

LFOP on October 30, 2008 at 8:33 pm

Here’s a 2007 view of the ECHO Theater: http://www.boxsetgallery.com/stein/index.html

Echo Theatre

108 W. Laurens Street, Laurens, SC 29360

108 W. Laurens Street,
Laurens, SC 29360