For years the Pickwick Theatre was one of the most popular entertainment establishments in town. When S.J. Brockwell opened the theater in 1909, bringing 'High Class Motion Pictures' accompanied by 'Instrumental Music' to Chapel Hill, admission was 5 cents. University students looking for mischievous fun frequently sent a hurricane of peanuts, acorns and other goodies flying through the air, narrowly missing the piano player, Mabel Hill. The theater closed during the Depression, reopened as The Pick in 1939 and closed permanently shortly after World War II.

Who else was important to Franklin Street's history? Find out when the Chapel Hill Museum's permanent exhibit on the history of Franklin Street opens in October. The museum welcomes all financial contributions and loans of photos, documents, and artifacts to help chronicle its history. Call 967-1400 to loan or donate and be a part of history.