For nearly 78 years, the Paramount Theatre Centre has inspired with its architecture, entertainment, and history. Thanks to a local benefactor with an appreciation of history, the beautiful theater is about to shine as brightly on the outside as the stars do inside.

When the Paramount Theatre opened its doors in 1929, it competed with six other movie theaters along Meridian Street: Riviera, Starland, Ritz, Regent, Kay-Bee, and Crystal. However, the Paramount separated itself from each theater in Anderson because of its “ “mystic beauty of medieval Europe” ” as quoted in a 1929 article in The Herald. Not only did the opulent décor of the Paramount distinguish itself from the neighboring theatres, but the 36 foot tall Paramount blade marquee became a familiar sight in downtown Anderson. However, in the early 1970s the vertical blade was removed due to structural deterioration.

Now over 30 years later, a generous donor has taken on the project and funded the reinstallation of a replica of the original blade marquee. Dr. Phillip Shirley, retired Veterinarian and resident of Pendleton, served on the Board of Directors at the Paramount during restoration of the facility. “It is indeed my privilege to bring back a historical presence to the Paramount and to downtown Anderson,” said Shirley. “I believe the new marquee will be illustrative of the original splendor of the 1929 grand opening. Once again the vertical blade marquee will make a big, bold, beautiful signature statement for the Paramount and for Meridian Street.”

The original Paramount marquee blade once hung between the two windows of the pavilion over the theater entrance and rose above the parapet (scalloped or arched brick formation). When the Paramount name was illuminated, with the help of the sign marquee, it lit up the entire block.

The new four-story double-faced marquee includes open face letters painted inside and out with single stroke yellow neon. The face of the marquee is painted orange with a white border that contains a single row of white LED bulbs. The blade stands 43 feet tall and 86 inches wide, 7 feet taller and 17 inches wider than the original. The marquee will mount 3 feet above the existing sign marquee and rise 8 feet above the parapet making it visible from 8th St., four blocks north, and 17th St., five blocks south. The project will be completed by Burkhart Sign Systems.

“The installation of the new vertical Paramount marquee will be a signal that the Paramount and the downtown business district are alive and well,” said Don Volk, executive director. “We are proud to display the Paramount name to the community and to visitors. Overall, it’s a positive declaration of pride. Now the city and downtown have a beacon signaling this is the place to be.”

The lighting of the blade marquee will take place at the Festival of Trees Gala & Auction Saturday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. For reservations to the annual Gala & Auction, call 765-642-1234. All proceeds from the event will benefit the continuing operation and preservation of the historic Paramount Theatre Centre. The Paramount Theatre Centre also welcomes the general public to come downtown Anderson for the lighting ceremony.