Edna Boykin Cultural Center

From Opera House to Cultural Landmark: The Story of the Edna Boykin Cultural Center

In the fall of 1919, Dr. Leland Grady brought his vision to life by transforming his two-story Nash Street office building into the magnificent Wilson Theatre. With its Palladian-style exterior, ornate gold-painted plaster interiors, plush seating, and gleaming brass railings, the theater became the crown jewel of downtown Wilson. It wasn’t just another building; it was a cultural hub where the community gathered for entertainment and connection.

During its early years, the Wilson Theatre was the heart of Wilson’s performing arts scene. Traveling vaudeville acts, magicians, singers, minstrels, and plays graced its stage, offering residents a welcome escape filled with laughter, wonder, and excitement. Vaudeville shows in particular delighted audiences with their wide variety of acts, catering to families eager for lighthearted entertainment. Local events, including talent and fashion shows, also made the theater a focal point for community gatherings.

The theater’s offerings expanded to include silent films, accompanied by a live piano that synced with the on-screen action, keeping audiences enthralled. By the 1930s, “talkies” arrived, ushering in a new era of cinema. The Wilson Theatre remained a bustling hub through the 1940s and 1960s, attracting crowds for Hollywood’s biggest stars, from Ava Gardner to Cary Grant. It was a place where Wilsonians enjoyed everything from Saturday morning cartoons and 3D movies to newsreels and film serials.

However, by the 1970s, the theater’s once-glorious reputation had dimmed. Struggling to stay relevant, it began showing X-rated films, a decision that drew widespread community disapproval and tarnished its image.

The Path to Restoration

In 1984, the City of Wilson stepped in to save the theater, purchasing the building and laying the groundwork for its restoration. Recognizing its cultural and historical significance, the city organized the Wilson Community Theatre, Inc., which took charge of managing and reviving the space. Under the leadership of President Woody Harrison and Executive Director Carol Blake, the group embarked on a mission to restore the theater to its former grandeur.

Over the next 14 years, volunteers and community members worked tirelessly to address the building’s basic needs, including updated restrooms and new heating and air conditioning systems. Their shared goal was to revive the theater as a cultural centerpiece for Wilson.

In 1995, the restoration effort received a major boost when the Theater Board merged with the Arts Council of Wilson. This partnership, along with the hiring of Raleigh-based architectural firm Clearscapes Inc., brought renewed focus and expertise to the project. Fundraising efforts gained momentum, led by philanthropist Edna Boykin, whose generosity and dedication to the arts inspired others to contribute.

A New Chapter

Thanks to the combined efforts of the City of Wilson, community leaders, and countless volunteers, the Wilson Theatre underwent a stunning transformation. The historic plaster details were meticulously restored, permanent theater seats installed, and modern amenities added, including dressing rooms, a stage extension, a loading dock, a new marquee, and 35mm projection equipment. Adjacent soda and jewelry shops were converted into a welcoming lobby, with preserved brick walls showcasing vintage movie poster remnants—a nod to the building’s storied past.

In January 1998, the theater reopened as the Edna Boykin Cultural Center, named in honor of Ms. Boykin’s lifelong dedication to the arts in Wilson. The grand reopening on January 31 was a night to remember, featuring performances by The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra and The Platters, with Ms. Boykin herself in attendance.

The center also introduced the Hammond Gallery, named by Dr. and Mrs. Mark G. Hooper in honor of Dr. Robert Hammond, providing a space for visual arts exhibits. This addition further enriched the venue’s offerings, cementing its role as a vibrant cultural hub for Wilson.

Legacy of the Edna Boykin Cultural Center

Today, the Edna Boykin Cultural Center stands as a testament to the power of community, history, and the arts. From its beginnings as the Wilson Theatre to its revitalization as a cultural landmark, the building continues to inspire and bring people together. Whether through live performances, art exhibits, or educational programs, the center remains a place where creativity thrives and history is honored.

With every performance and exhibit, the Edna Boykin Cultural Center carries forward the legacy of Dr. Grady’s vision and Ms. Boykin’s unwavering support for the arts, ensuring that Wilson’s cultural heart beats strong for generations to come.