Friends of Calhoun's GEM Theatre

The GEM Theatre was established in a former furniture warehouse and mercantile building in downtown Calhoun in 1927 and expanded to its current size in 1939 when it partnered with the Alabama-based Martin Theatre chain. The theatre was Calhoun’s only movie house until it closed in 1980. Many throughout the community still endearingly refer to The GEM as the “old GEM-Martin Theatre” or “old Martin Theatre.”

After several decades of dormancy, the building was purchased in 2002 thanks to the vision of Raymond and Pearl King and their children, Ted and Ginger, who aspired to restore the theatre to its former glory. The nonprofit Friends of Calhoun’s GEM Theatre was created to oversee the planning, fundraising, and renovation. The organization continues to operate The GEM Theatre.

The GEM Theatre re-opened on August 27, 2011. In 2012, the theatre was recognized as a Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Rehabilitation Award recipient.