ROBERT DYKES AND KATHY MILLS unveiled the special marker.
A local chapter of Colonial Dames put Cairo’s Zebulon Theater in the spotlight Tuesday with an unveiling of a special historical marker. Members of the John Lee of Nansemond Chapter, National Society Colonial Dames 17th Century, placed the brass marker, which points out that the Zebulon is “the oldest of three single screen movie theaters” left in Georgia.
Jinanne Parrish, chapter president, praised Kathy Mills, registrar of the local chapter, for her efforts to make the marker happen.
Mills and theater manager Robert Dykes unveiled the special plaque before a crowd of about 40 Tuesday at 11 a.m. The historical marker hangs on a front exterior wall between the theater’s ticket booth and front doors.
“Thank you to the Colonial Dames for this recognition,” said Dykes.
In addition to Parrish and Mills, other chapter members on hand included Mary Friend Carter, Lois Hand, and Marilyn Joyner. State officers of the Colonial Dames present for the ceremony included state president Sherryll Miles; Brenda Bush, state finance chair; Sandi Driscol, state time keeper; and Kay Ragan, state flag custodian. Robert H. Parrish Jr., led the crowd in singing the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Lequita LeGette, chairwoman of the Zebulon’s board of directors and a direct descendant of Ethel Blanton who first opened the theater in 1936, was in attendance for the unveiling along with several members of her family. The Zebulon is now a non-profit endeavor staffed mainly by volunteers.
