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You remember going with Vivian Irving to . . .

PHYLLIS TYLER:

She was a chance-taker. But we went to all the theaters in Raleigh, went to buy tickets, and of course, we were not allowed to. There were days for black people and days for whites. The first time that we cracked it was over at the Varsity Theaters, which no longer exists, over by State College. It was just across from State. I don't believe there's anything there now. But as we were leaving, waiting to be rejected, you know, some very important women came by, Beth Crabtree and a friend of hers, and in front of this window, spoke to both of us warmly. I think they even hugged us, both of them. And we were let in for the first time.

TERRI MYERS:

Was it just you and Vivian at that time? Vivian told me that she thought she was the first black woman, that she was the first to integrate a movie theater in Raleigh, and she laughed. Her recollection, I think, was that the girl who was taking the tickets, whoever was taking the tickets, just didn't know how to tell her no. [Laughter]

PHYLLIS TYLER:

[Laughter] Actually it was Beth.

TERRI MYERS:

Beth Crabtree, they came by and greeted you, and that was seen.

PHYLLIS TYLER:

Then we both went in, I don't know.

TERRI MYERS:

Well, as far as you know, you were the first.

PHYLLIS TYLER:

That was the first time. Vivian was the first.

TERRI MYERS:

Was there any "to do" made of it?

PHYLLIS TYLER:

Of course not, it was silly. Some of the things were.

TERRI MYERS:

Do you remember the movie?

PHYLLIS TYLER:

No. [Laughter]

TERRI MYERS:

You probably were sitting through the whole movie just amazed at what had happened.