Midway Theater

John W. Hamilton gets credit for creating the first, full-time new build movie theater in Martinsville, Virginia. It was called the Hamilton Theatre which, along with Stephens' Airdome were the two places which showed regular films in 1915. The Hamilton Theatre launched June 10, 1915 with “Such a Little Queen” with Mary Pickford.

The Hamilton Theatre was a success and Mr. Hamilton would create a handful of other local movie houses including the Hamilton’s Bassett Theatre, Hamilton’s North Bassett Theatre and Hamilton’s Fieldale Theatre. In 1920, the theatre was enlarged creating exits to both Church Street and Wall Street.

Hamilton purportedly was the first person to install radio transmission equipment doing so in the Hamilton Building in Martinsville. He also toyed with the idea of synching radio sound and film.

Frances W. Carper purchased the Hamilton Theatre. After improvements were made, the theatre became the Midway Theatre. It launched September 3, 1927 and had a Wurlitzer organ. Carper sold the theatre signing a 10-year non-compete contract. When he opened the Roxy Theatre under his wife’s and father’s name, he was sued for violating the non-compete clause.

The Midway Theatre had a second Grand Opening when it installed Western Electric sound-on-film technology. It’s relaunch was March 18, 1930 with the Ted Lewis film, “Is Everyone Happy?” Apparently, the answer was “no” as the Midway Theatre scuffled permanently closing within the year. The final film was Al Jolson in “Mammy” on December 10. 1930. After some live events, the Midway Theatre was converted to a Millner’s five and dime store that was auctioned off along with the rest of the chain in 1933. The building remains in use as of the 2020’s.

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