A business deal has been consummated that will result in Concord having a new, modern theatre. Mr. J. Archie Cannon of the city’s most substantial and progressive citizens, has signed a contract and lease with Mr. Henry Branson Varner of Lexington, one of the most prominent theatre owners and managers in the South, to build a theatre on a vacant lot immediately in the rear of the Cannon building on Union street, which be under the management of Mr. Varner for a term of years.
Plans for the new building are now in Raleigh, where they are undergoing inspection for approval of the insurance department. Following their approval, work on the new theatre will be started and it is expected to be ready for occupancy early in the coming year.
The building will be of brick and will consist of a large modern stage, auditorium seating 600 or more and balcony. The main entrance will be through the arcade of the Cannon building but there will be a stage entrance from Depot Street near the city standpipe.
In leasing the building to Mr. Varner, Mr. Cannon brings to the business life of the town one of the most forceful figures in the theatre and moving picture business in the county. For many years, Mr. Varner was owner and editor of the Lexington Dispatch and for 12 years was publisher of the Southern Good Roads and president of the North Carolina Good Roads Association. During the Aycock and Glenn Administrations Mr. Varner was commissioner of labor and printing for the State.
About 10 years ago, Mr. Varner became interested in moving picture theatres and a few years ago he disposed of his publishing plants and since that time has devoted all his energies to the theatre business.
In the theatre field, Mr. Varner has (line obscured) operates the Lexington theatre, one of the largest and most modern in the State; Palace Theatre, Salibury; Badin Theatre, Badin; Young’s Theatre, Lexington; Strand Theatre, Salisbury.
Mr. Varner is president of the Motion Picture Theatre Owners’ Association of North Carolina and has been the southern representative in the national conference during the past 10 years. He has been especially active in legislative activities looking to the betterment of the industry and is a close friend of Will Hays, national director of the moving picture producers.
Mr. Varner will spend considerable time in Concord after the new theatre opens.
From the front page of the Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, July 19, 1924
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