On Dec. 10, 1947, residents in northern Cecil County welcomed the latest in entertainment as the new modern Rising Sun Theatre opened at 11 E. Main Street.
A large crowd eagerly purchased tickets to watch “Dear Ruth” despite icy, hazardous conditions prevailing across northern Maryland.
Capable of seating 400 ticket holders, upholstered red leather seats with spring cushions provided comfortable seating in the auditorium. Also, modern projection and sound equipment in a fire-resistant projection booth presented the latest in the movie-going experience.
After the grand opening at the “Sun Theatre,” patrons throughout the area had a first-run movie theater of their own right in the heart of town.
William Buck owned the entertainment business, and a week earlier, he had closed the old theater in what was called “firemen’s hall” at the corner of Queen and Cherry streets. According to the Maryland News Courier, he had operated the town motion picture house for five years at the location, having acquired the enterprise from others.
“Firemen’s Hall” had been built in 1871 by the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, and over the decades, it had housed various businesses, including the picture shows. This building was demolished around 1964 to make room for a new firehouse.
The old Sun Theatre building still stands on Main Street a few building east of the town hall.
NOTES
Information about the opening of the Rising Sun Theatre from the Maryland News Courier Dec. 12, 1947, & Dec. 5, 1947.
Rising Sun, MD, 150th Anniversary Celebration (2010)
For additional photos from the Sun Theatre see this Facebook album
For more on other theatres in the county see this post: The Cecilton Theatre; the North East Theatre