Atmore natives, visitors and area residents shared their memories of the now-closed Strand Theater, which is believed to be the oldest, continually operating theater in Alabama.

Several people left comments on The Atmore Advance’s Facebook page, under the link to the online version of the story.

“I can remember seeing the movie, Spartacus, at the Strand, with my father when I was a child,” said Judith Cargill Byrd. “We were visiting relatives in Atmore and that is the first movie I can remember seeing in a theater. I can also remember sharing a Reese’s cup with Daddy during the movie!”

Cindy Brooks Gregson said she remembers taking a first grade field trip to the movies there in the 1970s.

“We walked down there to see a Disney movie,” she said. “It would have been around 1973 and that is my first memory of going to the Strand.”

Karen Jones said she remembers seeing “Bambi” there.

Jason Wade Cox said he hates to see “a landmark go away.”

“I’ve seen so many movies there,” Cox said. “Too many to list.”

Others have worked there in the past or have other connections to the movie house.

“I worked there as a teenager in high school,” said Judy Sanders Williams. “(I) can’t believe it is closed for good.”

Becky Sanders Frye said she worked there in 1982.

“I loved it,” she said. “I can actually say I was a part of history.”

Barbara Douglas said her son “worked there and loved it.”

“God bless the Kelley family,” she said. “We will miss the good times and the popcorn!”