Lewes theater thrived in mid-20th century

Rehoboth Beach had its share of movie theaters over the years, but many don’t know Lewes also had one of its own. Opening in 1908 at 334 Savannah Road, across the street from the Lewes Fire Department today, the theater remained in business in various forms until 1980. This image was made in 1934. The movies playing at that time were “Ready for Love,” starring Ida Lupino and Richard Arlen, and “Evelyn Prentice,” starring William Powell and Myrna Loy. In its early days, the Lewes Auditorium showed silent movies, served as a dance hall and was a popular place for local clubs to hold meetings. As movies evolved, the theater remained popular and continued to thrive into the 1960s. However, when many people stopped going to the theater in the late 1960s, it was sold and rebranded as an X-rated theater. It wasn’t popular with many locals, but the proprietors claimed it was very successful. The theater sold again in 1977, when mainstream movies again took center stage. It didn’t last long, though, as the structure was severely damaged in a fire in 1980. Ironically, the final movie was Cheech and Chong’s “Up In Smoke.” Eventually the building was demolished, and now it’s a parking lot for Bay Foot LLC. The home to the right still stands today.