Romina Theatre is jammed Thursday

Forest City, Jan. 4—As was predicted in The Sun, many hundreds of people were unable to gain admittance to the opening performance of Forest City’s new $125,000 Romina Theatre last night when the “Good Fellows Music Makers” gave an excellent program of songs and music after the presentation exercises were held. Owing to the illness of the manager, C.D. Hughes, the introduction of C.O.Kuester, of the Charlotte Chamber Commerce, was made by B.P. Caldwell, Superintendent of Cliffside High School, in behalf of the owner, Walter H. Haynes. Mr. Kuester, in an able speech, presented the new playhouse to Forest City. It was accepted gracefully by the mayor, Charles Z. Flack. Owing to the unavoidable absence of the Superintendent of Education, Clyde A. Erwin, the next speech was made by Captain B.L. Smith, Superintendent of Rutherfordton-Spindale Schools. All the speakers congratulated Mr. Haynes and wished him success in his new venture. The showing of the featured film, “Ramona,” closed the entertainment.
Audience Comes Early.
Many people were forehanded and bought their admission tickets on Wednesday or early Thursday morning; by six o’clock in the afternoon of Thursday, a line began to form, and at the time of the performance, half-past seven, hundreds were vying to purchase tickets. A large number of people was disappointed as it was not long before the seating capacity of the theatre was reached. Soon even standing room ceased to be available.
On every hand, one heard the most favorable comments on the beauty of the Romina Theatre and Mr. Haynes was the recipient of many a compliment.
This item was printed in The Sun on January 10, 1929.