History of PEX Theater
Old School History Museum tribute to the PEX Theater.
By now most Eatonton residents have seen the new marquee outside the PEX Theater on Jefferson Avenue! As we await the second “grand opening” of the theater, the Old School History Museum decided to catch up with Susan Park and hear history stories of the PEX that only she would know. Susan is the granddaughter of the founder of the PEX Theater, John Peck, Jr., and the daughter of John Peck III who owned and operated the theater after his father’s death. She graciously shared a number of stories that we think you will enjoy.
We also invite you to visit the Old School History Museum and see our tribute to the PEX Theater!
PEX Theater History – Part One
Eatonton’s John Peck, Jr.
John Peck, Jr. was a member of the Labor Union of Projectionists as early as the 1930’s. In fact, there is a lineage of projectionists in the Peck family. Peck moved from Dublin, Georgia, to Eatonton in the 1930’s and established the PEX Theater in the Jefferson Avenue building previously occupied by the Dixie Theater. Price of admission to the Dixie had been nine cents, but Peck was asking eleven cents. A protest march broke out, and finally there was a compromise of ten cents for admission!
In the early 1940’s, Peck bought another downtown property and built the PEX Theater that we know today. It became a thriving business! Not only did the 900-seat theater feature movies, it was also the venue for live performances by celebrities such as Bill Monroe, famous bluegrass and country singer/songwriter! In 1948 Peck had another big hit when the theater hosted the regional premiere of the movie Song Of The South.
Both Pecks were featured in this publication.
Peck chose his employees carefully, and old-timers will remember that he had a loyal team of workers who thought of themselves as a family. He relied on Mrs. Newman and Mrs. Hall to “run almost everything” at the PEX.
Susan Park also shared several poignant stories of the importance of the theater to the community. She told us that her grandfather had a coal-burning furnace that warmed the entire theater. He purchased half a train carload of coal at a time, and the theater was always warm in the wintertime. During the 1940’s, most Eatonton workers (if not military, farmers, or dairymen) worked at the Cotton Mill or the Aluminum Plant. Times were hard, and wages were never enough. People quickly learned that it was less expensive to pay for a theater ticket for a day than to try to heat their own homes. No surprise that families often came to the “Show” (especially on Saturdays) and watched the feature over and over!
Eatonton’s John Peck III and Sally Rand, famous fan dancer, pose for a photo at the 1951 Georgia Theater Owners Association Banquet. Ms. Rand was the guest speaker.
Sadly, Peck Jr. died of a heart attack in 1950 leaving the theater to his son. John Peck III continued his dad’s theater work, and one year later, he married Mary Elizabeth Cone. Eatonton became their permanent hometown.
Peck III kept the theater alive and popular into the 1990’s. He was creative and successful in holding on to public interest, featuring events such as the popular “Twist” Dance contests in the 50’s and 60’s and bringing in movie stars such as Tex Ritter, Lash La Rue, Fuzzy St. John, Little Jimmy Dickens, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, Whip Wilson, and Frankenstein, just to name a few.
PEX Theater Movie Poster from October 1968 on display at the Old School History Museum.
Even after the theater had only limited film showings, Peck reopened it in 1986 to host a special premiere of the film The Color Purple. Eatonton native and author Alice Walker was in the audience that day to watch the film based on her Pulitzer Prize winning novel. It was a special day of celebration for one of Eatonton’s own.
Although the theater was a community treasure and Peck’s livelihood for a number of years, things were changing as television emerged and people stayed home. Peck realized that he would soon be unable to take care of a family on the income produced by the theater. Having earned a degree in Accounting from UGA, he worked for several companies and then the State of Georgia Tax Division while still operating the theater.
When the theater was no longer profitable, Peck closed it, sold the seats, leveled the sloping theater floor, and rented out spaces to small businesses. He continued to own the building until finally selling it in the 2000’s. Peck is still remembered with admiration by everyone who grew up in Eatonton and frequented the PEX Theater!