Today we are checking out the historic Herndon Theatre located on Elden Street in the downtown area of Herndon.

According to this historical marker, the Herndon Theatre building was built back in 1921 by Thomas E. Reed.

It served as the town’s movie house and at times was called a “movie hall”.

Historic Marker View of Movie House

The theatre not only showed movies but also was the place for dances, meetings and other performances.

Shows usually started with a war news reel, a cartoon, short movie and then the main movie.

During the 1950’s and 1960’s the theatre installed a small snack bar called the “Hornet’s Nest”.  They sold burgers, hot dogs, and shakes.  It probably got its name from Herndon High School which is still known as the Home of the Hornets.

According to personal accounts, lots of westerns were shown and on Saturdays there could be a double feature movie.

The Herndon Theatre closed its doors sometime in the 1960’s but continued as other businesses such as a pool hall and an antique furniture store.

Old Play Bill on Historic Marker

This original movie poster, circa 1920’s, can be found in the Herndon Depot Museum.

The Elden Street Theatre building was sold in 1977 when it then became a family owned upholstery shop.

The brick front is not original to the theatre but was added probably in the 1960’s.

If you visit this store today, you can still see the area of the old stage towards the front and the balcony in the back.

Due to COVID-19, I did not enter the store to check out things but I hope you enjoyed this blog on Herndon’s historic movie theatre.

Anyone for popcorn?

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