By Betsy Finklea
The Dillon County News, LLC
The Dillon County Historical Society had the opportunity to tour the renovations at the 1936 Auditorium at the former J.V. Martin Jr. High School on October 25th.
Gerald Berry, head of the Dillon Historic School Foundation, called the renovations “a work in progress.”
Approximately six years ago, the whole building was a “disaster,” Berry said. The roof had fallen in, squatters were living there, the paint was peeling, and more. He said they started working on the project in 2010, and in 2019, they began working with a development company. He said the development company got a HUD grant in 2023. He said it has been a long process, but they are not finished yet. He said they are in the process of trying to get finished.
The light fixtures, all the curtains, and all the stage equipment have been paid for by two Dillon High School graduates. One gave a $308,000 check, and the other gave a $55,000 check. They are financing all of the improvements being done to the auditorium. There will be a piano in the lobby donated by Main Street Methodist Church, and a Stein piano in the auditorium. The floors have to be refinished. There is a men’s lounge and a ladies lounge in Mrs. Hensley’s old room. There were no restrooms or water facilities in the building.
Berry recalled some of the people who performed in the building in the 1950s and 1960s including Risë Stevens, an American opera soprano singer; an organist from Radio City Music Hall; Russian Dancers; and Spanish Dancers.
Berry said it “has been a wonderful restoration, but it is still in progress.” He said there is still a ways to go. When it is finished, they will have an open house so everyone can come and see it and plan for a grand opening.
If any group or individuals would like to see the remarkable progress being made inside the 1936 auditorium, contact DHSF by calling 843-632-2774 to arrange a tour.
PHOTO GALLERY
PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON COUNTY NEWS, LLC
