Cricket Theater - Collinsville, AL more info can be found here: cinematreasures.org/theaters/751
Palace Theater - Crossville, TN Still in business! located along Main St. (US127)
The Tivoli Theater - Chattanooga, TN The Tivoli Theater is a historic theater and opulent landmark in downtown Chattanooga that opened in 1921 at a cost of $750,000. It was one of the first air-conditioned public buildings in the U.S. The theatre was named Tivoli after Tivoli, Italy, has cream tiles and beige terra-cotta bricks, has a large red, black, and white marquee with 1,000 chaser lights, and has a large black neon sign that displays TIVOLI with still more chaser lights. Reflecting the Beaux Arts architectural style prevalent in late 19th century and early 20th century America, the theatre contains a high rose-and-gold coffered ceiling, the original box office, a grand lobby with a white terrazzo floor inlaid with forest-green marble and music-motif medallions, crystal chandeliers, an elegant foyer, and red velvet-plush chairs. The Tivoli opened on March 19, 1921 to a concert by the Tivoli Symphony, a screening of Cecil B. DeMille's 1921 film Forbidden Fruit, and a personal appearance by Forbidden Fruit's Mae Murray. The theater served Chattanooga well for several decades as the chief location for stage and film entertainment in Chattanooga, but went into a steady decline as modern movie theaters started to appear in Chattanooga in the 1950's. The Tivoli was, at one time, owned by the ABC TV network and was later leased to Chattanooga as a performing arts facility. The theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in April 1973. The city of Chattanooga purchased the Tivoli in 1976 for $300,000 after the theater had been in disrepair for some years; Chattanooga's Department of Education, Arts, and Culture currently owns and operates the Tivoli. After the Tivoli closed on June 5, 1987 for renovations, the Tivoli reopened on March 29, 1989 with a recital by Marilyn Horne.
Franklin Theater at Christmas The Franklin Theater was seemingly on the verge of being torn down or re-purposed for many years. Now that it has been saved, it's in great shape. Plus there's a new marquee that was unveiled not too long ago. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/enchanting-tn-christmas... Here Are The 10 Most Enchanting, Magical Christmas Towns In Tennessee or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-christmas-town/ The One Town In Tennessee That Turns Into A Winter Wonderland Each Year Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/best-2017-tn-towns/ The 12 Towns You Need To Visit In Tennessee In 2017
Strand Theater - Tiptonville, TN Located along Main Street (TN21), the Strand was a longtime fixture in the the community and after a few decades of being closed, it has recently reopened. The theater originally opened in 1915 and could seat 521. The theater closed in the mid 60s where the theater was used as a Masonic hall for four decades. In 2009, after being refurbished, the theater is open again. Here is an article from the local newspaper about the reopening: www.stategazette.com/story/1589210.html
Texas Troubadour Theater - Nashville For several decades the popular Grand Ole Opry was broadcast from Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville on Saturday Evenings. Soon afterwards, WSM started a follow up show a block away at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop. The Midnite Jamboree would feature up-and-coming country artists, and really start at Midnite. Then, the Grand ole Opry moved out to Opryland, and the tourist area that sprang up around it became Music Valley. Ernest Tubb Record Shop followed the Opry out here with shop #2 and their adjoining theater at Music Valley Village. (Tubb was nicknamed the Texas Troubadour.) For good measure, this country music venue doubles as the Nashville Cowboy Church on Sunday mornings.
Palace Theater - Crossville, TN
Tivoli Theater - Chattanooga
Capitol Cinemas - Princeton, KY Located along Main St. in Princeton along US62.
Capitol Cinemas neon sign - Princeton, KY Located along Main St. in Princeton along US62. The sign still works!
Princess Theater - Hopkinsville, KY
Park Theater - MicMinnville, tn The vacant Park Theater along Main St. (OLD U.S. 70S) in McMinnville, TN. "U.S. Bank" is not the movie playing this week.
Nashville Night Life Dinner Theater One of the many tourist traps in the Music Valley drive area near Opryland Hotel
Gem Theater sign - Calhoun, GA Built in 1927 and expanded in 1939. located in downtown Calhoun along US41/Old Dixie Highway. For more info: www.calhoungem.org/
The legacy of the Ritz Theater - Brewton, AL The historic Ritz Theater opened at this spot in 1936 but closed its doors in 1987. The town wanted to preserve its heritage, but apparently couldn't preserve the whole thing. Today, this facade, marquee and neon sign are preserved as a "Community Message Center." I have seen varying reports on how much of this is vintage and how much was constructed in 1996.
Wink Theater - Dalton, GA You should see it at night once all the colorful neon tubes and lights are on, with this pic on their website: www.winktheatre.com/ Their website also has a thorough history.
Ritz 3 Theater - Milan, TN This theater in the Milan central business district dates back to 1941. For the full history: ritz3cinema.com/aboutus.php
New Daisy Theatre - Beale St. - Memphis According to Wikipedia: The New Daisy was originally conceived as a movie theatre, and operated as such until the late 70’s. In the 80’s , the venue was renovated to house concerts with a capacity of over 1000 and became one of the preeminent venues of it’s kind in the US. The venue has featured artists such as John Lee Hooker, Gatemouth Brown, Jerry Lee Lewis, Al Green, Sam and Dave, Bob Dylan, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Nirvana, Justin Timberlake, Nelly, The Cult, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Jack White, Dave Matthews and Oasis, among others. Bob Dylan used the venue to record a video of a song from his Grammy-winning CD Time Out of Mind. Would you like to see more photos from Beale street? Check out the Beale Street gallery
Lamar Theater - Memphis, TN The Lamar Theater is located along Lamar Ave. (US78). It opened in 1926 and was expanded in 1934. It has been closed for many years.
Putnam Drive-In Theater Located along Nashville Rd. (U.S. 70N) on the west side of Cookeville, TN in Putnam County. It has been closed for a few years.
Alhambra Theater - Hopkinsville, TN If you didn't see the neon marquee and ticket window, you might not realize this was a movie theater. The facade of the Alhambra Theater was built in 1928. The building has been refurbished lately and is used by the Pennyroyal Arts Council. The theater is located next door to the Christian County Courthouse. When the Theater originally closed, the building became the county courthouse annex. (If you look closely, this name is etched in stone above an entrance on the far right side of the picture. For a while, there was a catwalk that connected these two buildings, but I believe it was removed around 2013. For the full story: news.google.com/newspapers?id=7fArAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xWkFA...
Capri Theater The Capri Theater is in Shelbyville, TN about 1 block away from the Bedford County Courthouse. This theater is still in Operation, but was not open on the day I was there. Their neon sign lights up, but not this day.
Melrose Theater It's been closed for a while. I think it was a book store for a while. It's in the Melrose area of Nashville along Franklin Rd. (US31) The Theater was built in the 40's and was part of an Art Deco trio of theater, Billiards and bowling lanes. Last I had heard (about 3 years ago) this was going to be converted to condo lofts called The Melrose.
Antoinette Hall Opera House / STAAR Theater - Pulaski, TN Antoinette Hall Opera House was recently added to the Tennessee Preservation Trusts's 2015 Ten in Tenn. Here is their description: Antoinette Hall, also known as the Pulaski Opera House, was built in 1868 and is one of few remaining second story opera houses still intact in the United States as well as one of the oldest. Since 2008, local non-‐profit Southern Tennessee Area Arts Repertory (STAAR) has owned the property and worked to raise awareness for the historic structure. However the group does not have the funds for extensive restoration work needed to save the building. Weather and time has caused severe deterioration of the structure and the walls are currently being held together by a cable system. You can track their progress on their Facebook page.
Old Daisy Theater - Beale St., Memphis Opening in 1913, the Daisy Theater is one of the best remaining examples of nickelodeon architecture from the early cinema era. Located on the famous Beale Street, the landmark has a grand half dome entrance. In 1941, the New Daisy theater opened across the street. The Old Daisy is listed on the National Register of Historic places as part of the Beale Street Historic District. Would you like to see more photos from Beale street? Check out the Beale Street gallery
The Little Theater - Civil War Hospital Barracks - Fisk University On a campus full of prominent historic buildings, the oldest one may be under-appreciated. According to the marker: The Little Theater, circa 1860, is the oldest structure on the Fisk University campus. Erected as part of a Union Army hospital barracks during the Civil War, it was known as the "Railroad Hospital." The interior was remodeled for use as the Fisk campus theater in 1935. In addition to a Nashville Historic Commission plaque on the front is this: January 9, 1866 January 1, 1876 This building is one of the original buildings of Fisk University. During the Civil War it was used as a hospital Army barracks --Class of 1932-- Today, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Fisk University Historic District.
Springfield Cinema When the Simpsons Movie was announced, they planned to show the film premier at one of the Springfields in the country. A key selling point of the Springfield, TN cinema is that it's only one screen and wouldn't have to share marquee space with a second film. Located on Main St. about a block south of the town square.
The Wedding Chapel Formerly, the Bonita Theater. Springfield, TN on Main St (old U.S. 41 and old U.S. 431) on the town square
Palace Theater - Gallatin, TN Located in Historic Downtown Gallatin, the completely restored Palace Theater is the oldest silent movie theater still standing in Tennessee. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (as part of the Gallatin Commercial Historic District) and hosts a variety of shows, movies and events. I have granted permission to Matchett & Associates for the use of this photo on their website. www.matchettandassoc.com/Historic.html
Lafayette Cinema Lafayette, TN - a block off of the town square.
Hi-Way 50 Drive-in - Lewisburg, TN What I suppose used to be TN Highway 50 south of Lewisburg is now US431 which goes to Fayetteville. Would the metal shield be there to keep the lights from the neon signs from interfering from the moviegoers? It's not long enough to block headlights from highway motorists.
Hi-Way 50 Drive in Alternate Traditional view - closeup of just the sign
Princess Theater - Decatur, AL Building dates back to 1887 as a livery stable. Became a silent film playhouse in 1919. Underwent a major face-lift in 1941 with the Art Deco style. It was purchased by the city in 1978 and has become a performing arts venue. For the full history: www.princesstheatre.org/about/history.php
Luciann Theater - Memphis, TN The Luciann Theater opened in 1940 and closed in 1958. It is located along Summer Ave. (US64/US70/US79/TN1) in Memphis. Since the original theater closed, it became a bowling alley, a night club, and then an adult movie theater. Despite all of the change, the theater has kept much of its original exterior. I have altered the marquee so that the focus could be on the original elements.
Roxy Theater 2 On the corner of Franklin and First in Downtown Clarksville, the Lillian Theater was built in 1912. It burned down in 1913 and was rebuilt. It burned down again in 1945 and the was rebuilt again, this time as the Roxy theater. It showed first run movies until 1980 and then ever since 1983 has been used as a popular live theater. The Art Deco theater was also the backdrop of the music video "All I wanna Do" by Sheryl Crow in the mid 90's. For more info, see: www.roxyregionaltheatre.org
Roxy Theater 3 On the corner of Franklin and First in Downtown Clarksville, the Lillian Theater was built in 1912. It burned down in 1913 and was rebuilt. It burned down again in 1945 and the was rebuilt again, this time as the Roxy theater. It showed first run movies until 1980 and then ever since 1983 has been used as a popular live theater. The Art Deco theater was also the backdrop of the music video "All I wanna Do" by Sheryl Crow in the mid 90's. For more info, see: www.roxyregionaltheatre.org
Roxy Theater 1 On the corner of Franklin and First in Downtown Clarksville, the Lillian Theater was built in 1912. It burned down in 1913 and was rebuilt. It burned down again in 1945 and the was rebuilt again, this time as the Roxy theater. It showed first run movies until 1980 and then ever since 1983 has been used as a popular live theater. The Art Deco theater was also the backdrop of the music video "All I wanna Do" by Sheryl Crow in the mid 90's. For more info, see: www.roxyregionaltheatre.org/
Pink Cadillac Drive-In Still Operating. On scenic TN Highway 100 just north of Centerville.
Oldham Theater - Winchester, TN On the town square
Higgins Moonlite Drive-In In Woodbury, TN on U.S. Highway 70S and it is still open for business. MariLynn and I went to screen 1, the first time we'd ever been to a drive in. On a "How well did this turn out" I give it a C-, as I only had one chance to get it right from a moving car, but I think the color of the sky was perfect. www.themoonlitedrivein.com/ Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.swissarmylibrarian.net/2012/10/13/reference-question-...
Ragan's Friendly Neighbor Store a.k.a. Ragan's Arcade Was a movie theater in the 50's I was hoping to buy some friendly neighbors, but all they had for sale was furniture. They did have some neat old pictures of town all over the walls. This photo now appears in print as part of the TN Trails and Byways brochure "Screaming Eagle Trail" which you can see here: www.flickr.com/photos/brent_nashville/9522319352/
Clarksville Mural from the left "Bursting with Pride" is quite a large 10,000 sqft. mural in downtown Clarksville, painted by Ricky Deel. The mural overlooks a large parking lot on Franklin St. and is near the Roxy Theater. I've left notes on the photo telling what each landmark is.
Clarksville Mural from the right "Bursting with Pride" is quite a large 10,000 sqft. mural in downtown Clarksville, painted by Ricky Deel. The mural overlooks a large parking lot on Franklin St. and is near the Roxy Theater. I've left notes on the photo telling what each landmark is.
Dixie Theater Now the Marshall Co. Community Theater Lewisburg, TN Town Square
Marshall Co. Community Theater Formerly, the Dixie Theater Lewisburg, TN Town Square
Princess Building Located at Bowling Green's Fountain Square, formerly the Princess Theater.
Capitol Theater 2 Located in the Bowling Green, KY Fountain Square
Capitol Theater 1 Located in the Bowling Green, KY Fountain Square
The Never Know What Shop N. Military - across from the Crockett Theater - Lawrenceburg, TN
Temple Theater (2017) - Portland, TN The Temple Theater in Portland, TN has recently undergone renovation. The theater dates back to 1937, but closed in the early 1950s. You can see more in this Tennesseean article: www.tennessean.com/story/gallatin/news/2014/01/23/histori... You can follow their progress here: www.facebook.com/temple.theatre.portlandtn/
Crockett Theater - Lawrenceburg, TN Located along Military Ave. a block north of the town square in Lawrenceburg, TN cinematreasures.org/theater/13980/ Added to the National Register of Historic Places, and is a fine example of Art Deco in a cinema.
Crockett Theater Marquee - Lawrenceburg, TN Fall in love with Lawrenceburg Located along Military Ave. a block north of the town square in Lawrenceburg, TN Added to the National Register of Historic Places, and is a fine example of Art Deco in a cinema.
DeSoto Theater - Rome, GA en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeSoto_Theater The building's exterior and Georgian interior stylishly housed a number of recent movie palace innovations. Designed as a "talkie" theater, it the first venue in the South to be designed and built for sound pictures. Rome's new house boasted a Vitaphone sound system. And, the theater was heated and cooled by an innovative blower-fan air conditioning and tubular boiler system. Additionally, the theater was equipped with state-of-the-art fire safety equipment. Fitted with many exits, the theater could be emptied in two minutes. Owner O.C. Lam named his new movie palace for Hernando DeSoto, who was thought by many historians to have passed through the area that is now Rome in 1600. DeSoto was completed at a cost of $110,000 and opened in August 1927. The theater seated 1,500, making it one of the seven largest movie venues in Georgia at the time. The theater was an instant success and the pride of Rome. The DeSoto was one of the main sources of entertainment for Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama for the next thirty years.
Restored Purity wall ad - Smyrna, TN For those of you who don't live near Nashville, Purity Dairies is the perhaps the most popular brand of milk and ice cream in the area. (Their ads also launched the career of Jim Varney as Ernest.) It's on the side of a building in the small downtown area of Smyrna, TN. I think the building was the Regal Theater from 1910-1958. After that, it was the Theater Grill. This 50's mural was renovated in Sept. 2016. Learn more about the project in this Daily News Journal article: www.dnj.com/story/news/2016/09/24/refurbished-purity-dair... Highlights of the article include how Purity was consulted to find the original paint color, and how the local Carpe Artista worked with the Nashville Walls Project. This is what it looked like before it was restored: flic.kr/p/9yWr18
Lincoln Theater - Fayetteville, TN for this older theater on a small town square, it's good to see a large crowd on this evening. Built in 1951. Fayetteville is in Lincoln County, which is named after Revolutionary War General Benjamin Lincoln.
Roxy Theater - Franklin, KY I was fortunate that this classic car happened to drive by while I was here. From the comments below, it's a 1937 Chevy 2-door sedan, which is perfect for the age of the theater. The Roxy Theater is a Cinema in Franklin, KY which dates back to 1938. It operated as a theater until the 1960s when it was converted into municipal offices. In the last few years, the theater has been converted back into an event venue.
Lincoln Theater Located across the street from the Lincoln County Courthouse in the Fayetteville, TN town square. Located along highway U.S. 64. I'm guessing the lights would be much more impressive at night. Is it appropriate to name a theater after the most famous person to be shot in a theater?
Old Sam Davis Theater Located in Pulaski, TN on the square. The theater closed in 1946 and became a furniture store. There's a National Register of Historic Places marker on the building. (see note) The theater isn't listed on the register, but I suppose it's part of the Courthouse Square Historic District.
Palace Theater - Crossville, TN taken at dusk. I'm glad to see this theater still in business.
GA-ANA Theater - Georgiana, AL From the marker: GA~ANA Theatre Opened 1939 While watching Westerns at a Georgiana ‘picture show’ on Saturdays in 1931-34, young Hiram Williams developed a fondness for cowboy nicknames and clothing. After his family moved to Montgomery in 1936, he began calling himself ‘Hank.’ Fred McClendon opened the GA~ANA Theatre on Jan. 31, 1939. Eight months later, 16-year-old Hank performed here with his band, The Drifting Cowboys. The movie theatre closed in 1959 and was used for storage and a cabinet shop. When demolition was threatened in 1996, J.C. Sims purchased the theatre. It was renovated for movies and live performances and reopened in 1999. On the day I was here in Sept. 2017, there was a sign in the window that the Theater is for sale. Sources say that the original marquee has been kept, but needs money to be put back in place.
Family Drive-in Theater - Stephens City, VA located along US11
Birchfiel Building (Ritz Theater) From the Elizabethton, TN Walking Tour brchure: "Originally one of four movie theaters in downtown Elizabethton, this building was constructed in the late 1920s by local building contractor, Thomas Construction Company. The Art Nouveau style building is the only one of its type in Elizabethton. Note the masks of comedy and tragedy and the decorative pattern in the concrete." The Comedy and Tragedy are at the top left and right corners at the big center window. You may need to view this image at full size to see it.
Palace Barber & Style It looks like an old theater and is located in the Murfreesboro town square (110 N Church St.). As of right now, I don't have any more info on what it used to be. Maybe I'll stop by and visit some day. If anyone had additional insight, I'd appreciate it.
Artcraft Theater - Franklin, IN From Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artcraft_Theatre The Historic Artcraft Theatre is a movie theater in Franklin, Indiana in the United States. The theater operated continuously for 75 years before closing. Today, the theater shows classic movies and hosts concerts. It was built in 1922 in an Art Deco style, and was used for Vaudeville and silent movies. The theater was one of the first in the area to feature cool air when it installed a swamp cooler. It served as a full-time movie theater until 2000. The theatre operated continuously for 75 years before closing due to the popularity of multiplex theaters. The building includes a full stage and orchestra pit originally intended for Vaudeville performances. The theater was purchased by Trueman Rembusch, who facilitated the theaters first renovation in 1936. In 1948, it underwent a second renovation in the Art Deco style. Today, the theater is owned and operated by the non-profit, Franklin Heritage, Inc. (FHI). FHI purchased the building in 2004 and launched a $500,000 campaign to renovate the building. In 2006, FHI received a state historic preservation grant towards the restoration of the theater. The theater hosts bi-weekly movie showings of classic films. Films shown at the theater include The African Queen, Father of the Bride, Ben-Hur, and American Graffiti. In 2015, the theater was chosen as one of the "4 Favorite Restored Small-Town Cinemas" by Midwest Living.
Belcourt Theater www.belcourt.org/venue.php From the historical marker: Hillsboro Theater in 1925, the Hillsboro theater opened as a silent film house with its entrance on 21st Avenue South. The stage arch was decorated by Italian craftsman Raffaelo Mattei. It was the home of the Children's Theater of Nashville after 1931, the Grand Old Opry between 1934 and 1936, and the Nashville Community Playhouse after 1937. It became the Belcourt Cinema in 1966. Here is the historical marker: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=historical-markers/... Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.thefilmtalk.com/2009/01/20/sundance-reports-and-revie... or here: nashvillest.com/2011/04/08/film-forward-at-the-belcourt-e... Film Forward At The Belcourt: Explore Other Cultures With Free Films, Panels or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-theaters/ These 11 Theaters In Tennessee Will Give You An Unforgettable Viewing Experience The entirety of the theater has been restored, giving you the option to take in an indie flick in the fun and hoppin' Hillsboro Village. Check out their Rifftrax nights and midnight movies for an epic date night. or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/nashville/unique-dates-...
Princess Theater South Pittsburg, TN www.historicsouthpittsburgtn.org/Princess1.html
Higgins Moonlite Drive-In Along U.S. 70S in Woodbury, TN Hello to anybody who found this photo here: blogs.move.com/behind-the-walls/2007/04/17/backyard-theater/
State Line Drive in Elizabethton, TN Along highway US19E/321 By my best guess, it's about 15 miles from the TN/NC state line
Grand Theater - Cartersville, GA
Roxy Theater at Night - Clarksville, TN On the corner of Franklin and First in Downtown Clarksville, the Lillian Theater was built in 1912. It burned down in 1913 and was rebuilt. It burned down again in 1945 and the was rebuilt again, this time as the Roxy theater. It showed first run movies until 1980 and then ever since 1983 has been used as a popular live theater. The Art Deco theater was also the backdrop of the music video "All I wanna Do" by Sheryl Crow in the mid 90's. For more info, see: www.roxyregionaltheatre.org/
Roxy Theater at Dusk - Clarksville, TN On the corner of Franklin and First in Downtown Clarksville, the Lillian Theater was built in 1912. It burned down in 1913 and was rebuilt. It burned down again in 1945 and the was rebuilt again, this time as the Roxy theater. It showed first run movies until 1980 and then ever since 1983 has been used as a popular live theater. The Art Deco theater was also the backdrop of the music video "All I wanna Do" by Sheryl Crow in the mid 90's. For more info, see: www.roxyregionaltheatre.org/
Emma Kelly Theater - Statesboro, GA The Art Deco movie theater in Statesboro, GA opened in 1936. It closed in the 1970s but reopened in 2004 as the Averitt Center for the Arts.
Saenger Theater - Hattiesburg, MS www.hattiesburgsaenger.com/index.cfm/history/
Saenger Theater sign - Hattiesburg, MS This sign is the original bare bulb sign of the 1929 theater www.hattiesburgsaenger.com/index.cfm/history/
Falls City Theater Equipment Co. neon sign downtown Louisville, KY
Capitol Theater - Greeneville, TN Along Main St. (US321) across the street from the County Courthouse
Pal Theater - Millen, GA
Jefferson Theater Marquee - Beaumont, TX The Jefferson Theater opened in 1927. In 1946, it hosted the premier of "It's a Wonderful Life" with James Stewart and director Frank Capra in attendance. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson_Theatre
Jefferson Theater - Beaumont, TX The Jefferson Theater opened in 1927. In 1946, it hosted the premier of "It's a Wonderful Life" with James Stewart and director Frank Capra in attendance. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson_Theatre
Paramount Theater - Bristol, TN Along State St. on the south Tennessee side. Bulit in 1931 and restored back to it's original condition in 1991. www.theparamountcenter.com/
Savannah Theater - Savannah, GA Theater history: www.savannahtheatre.com/history/ In historic Savanna, this theater faces Chippewa square. The famous park bench scene from Forrest Gump was filmed on this square, so it's neat how the town's most famous theater is also on the square. The historic area of the city is also full of tour buses. As I was lining up this shot, a Forrest Gump impersonator got on a bus right here for his part of the tour.
Roxy Theater - Nashville The Roxy Theater was listed on the 2013 Nashville Nine, which is a list of endangered historic properties. Here is their write-up: www.sitemason.com/files/h7umNW/HNI_NN_PR_Post_Final_FINAL... The Roxy Theater on Meridian Street in North Edgefield is a part of an underutilized neighborhood commercial node that once included a pharmacy, grocery, and other retail space. The Roxy operated from 1937-1959. Segregated for whites only, the Roxy closed in 1959 before Nashville‟s theaters were integrated. According to an article in The East Nashvillian, “…the Roxy Theater opened in late 1937 in a former drugstore facing Wilburn Street. Located on a streetcar route that ran down Meridian, the drugstore building dated from 1914.” Since its closing, the Roxy has been used for church services and “a self-service Laundromat called the Roxy Speedwash.” It has also been used for storage, a short-lived music studio, a performance center, daycare for children, but now remains unused. Mired in legal and financial troubles, the property has been vacant for several years.
Crump Theater - Columbus, IN en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crump_Theatre The Crump Theatre is located in downtown Columbus, Indiana, at 425 Third Street, is part of the Columbus Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The theatre is owned by the Columbus Capital Foundation and periodically used as an event space for a variety of acts, including musicians, comedians, and paranormal investigators. The theatre came into being in 1889 when Charles Franklin Sparrell was hired by John Smith Crump to add a theatre to an existing building at this site. Alden Meranda completed a renovation in 1941 that transformed the building into its current Art Deco appearance. In 2013 a theatre consulting firm, Jones & Phillips, was hired by the Columbus Redevelopment Commission to complete a study on the viability of the theatre. Check the Wikipedia article for a much more detailed history.
Bonnie Kate Theater - Elizabethton, TN From the Elizabethton Walking tour brochure (Stop #29) The Bonnie Kate Theater, another Classical Revival Design, formally opened on May 16, 1926. All 500 of the seats were filled and the audience enjoyed the showing of a silent film. A local music program "Barrels of Fun" originated here in the 1930s and in the 1940s was broadcast by two radio stations (one next door) to a listening audience of 3.2 million people in the southeast area. This was the first theater East of the Mississippi to have rocking chair seating (1969).
Majestic Show Boat - Cincinnati Note: This photo was taken in March 2019, apparently rather soon before it was relocated. From Wikipedia: The Majestic is a historic riverboat that is moored on the Ohio River near Manchester, Ohio. Built in 1923, she was the last floating theater to be built in the United States, and one of its longest-lived. Declared a National Historic Landmark on December 20, 1989. She is 135 feet (41 m) long, with a beam of 40 feet (12 m) and a draft depth of 5.9 feet (1.8 m). Her wooden hull has been sheathed inside a steel one, and is still visible from within the boat. Its superstructure housing the theater has been little altered since 1969. The last of the original traveling showboats, Majestic was built in 1923 in Pittsburgh, and plied the Ohio River and other portions of its watershed for many years, offering shows at towns along the way. She came as a pair with a tugboat the Attaboy which towed her from venue to venue. Tom Reynolds and his family owned, lived on and ran it until 1959. Reynolds himself was born into an old established showboat family. Tom Reynolds first boat was the Illinois, lost to fire in 1916, which he replaced by building the America. From 1945 to 1959 there was an academic alliance between the Reynolds family and Hiram College, Kent State University, and Indiana University that allowed the schools to present summer theater experiences for students on Majestic. In December 2014, longtime drama professor, Tom Weatherston, produced a documentary about the alliance and life on the showboat. Capt. Tom Reynolds sold the Majestic in August 1959 for $30,000 to the Indiana University. He had piloted the Majestic on the Ohio, Kansas, Mississippi and Kanawha Rivers for 36 years. That December he was working on the tug Attaboy, moored alongside the Majestic, when it is thought the tug's engine kicked back, and Reynolds lost his footing and fell into the Kanawha river and drowned. He was 71 and had lived on or beside the river his whole life. She was forced into dry dock in 1965 by the Safety at Sea Act, which prohibited wooden hulled vessels from transporting cast and crew on overnight journeys, though by that time the condition of her hull was fast deteriorating. The outer steel hull was added at that time, as were other modernizing conveniences, including air conditioning. While in dry dock, the City of Cincinnati purchased Majestic for $13,500 as part of its downtown Cincinnati Central Riverfront show case. She was docked at the Cincinnati Public Landing until March of 2019. She was purchased in a public auction for over 100k even though it’s valued at much less, by Joe and Cortnee Brumley. In December 2019, she will once again be open to the public for public performing art events with the production of "The Majestic Christmas," her first public event since being acquired by from the City of Cincinnati and moved to Manchester, Ohio.
Circle Theater - Indianapolis This view was taken by clibming the steps of the monument. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilbert_Circle_Theatre The Hilbert Circle Theatre, originally called the Circle Theater, is in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Monument Circle. It was built in 1916 and consists of a Neoclassical style, white glazed terra cotta entrance section with a brick auditorium section behind. The front facade is slightly curved. It was originally built as a "deluxe movie palace." Reopening on October 12, 1984, the Circle Theatre is home to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. In December 1996, it was renamed the Hilbert Circle Theatre after being endowed by Stephen Hilbert, founder of CNO Financial Group, and his wife Tomisue. The theatre holds 1,660 seats and has space for an 87-member ensemble. It is now home to a 3-manual 24-rank Wurlitzer theatre organ. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It is located in the Washington Street-Monument Circle Historic District.
Oldham Theater - Winchester, TN Located on the Winchester town square, the Oldham Theater opened in 1950.
Columbia Theater - Harlem, GA Harlem, GA is the childhood home of film star Oliver Hardy from Laurel & Hardy fame. The Columbia Theater has been converted into an Oliver Hardy Museum. If you look close, you can see the likeness of Hardy inside the ticket window
Columbia Theater - Harlem, GA Harlem, GA is the childhood home of film star Oliver Hardy from Laurel & Hardy fame. The Columbia Theater has been converted into an Oliver Hardy Museum. If you look close, you can see the likeness of Hardy on the water tower on the left.
Ritz Theater - Greenville, AL www.greenvilleal.gov/256/Ritz-Theatre
Bonn Theater The old theater in Bonnieville, KY. It's located along the old Dixie Highway which is now US31W. They say the last movie that played here was Jaws.
Capitol Theater - Maryville, TN Along Broadway. (US411)
Arabian Theater - Laurel, MS Theater dates to 1927 and the vintage sign has been preserved. Read the history here: www.laurellittletheatre.com/pages/stories.php
Riviera 8 - Downtown Knoxville Along Gay St.
Roh's Opera House neon sign - Cynthiana, KY Today, the Opera House is usually used as a movie theater. There's also a Walking Dead mural painted onto the back of the building: flic.kr/p/2m7qGaZ
The Majestic Theater sign - Dallas, TX
Texas Theater - Oak Cliff (Dallas) The Texas Theater in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas is well known as the place where the police captured Lee Harvey Oswald. In my personal family history, the Texas Theater is where my parents as Oak Cliff residents went on their first date in the mid 1950s. in 1998, my parents gave me a tour from where they grew up; at the time, the theater looked abandoned. Perhaps it would have been demolished if not for its place in history. It took me 20 years to get to come back, not sure how I would find it. Thankfully, it has new owners with a vision and today it thrives. Plus, it has a fantastic neon sign. Text of the historic marker: Constructed in 1931, the Texas Theatre was designed by architect W. Scott Dunne. The "Texas," the largest suburban theater in Texas when it was built, is an "atmospheric" theater, a genre designed to enhance the fantasy and exoticism of the movies. The two-story building, originally owned by C. R. McHenry, is located at the commercial heart of the community of Oak Cliff. The original appearance of the theater evoked an Italian medieval structure with Venetian influences expressed in the decorative brickwork and stone. The interior of the theater was designed with a Venetian court theme, complete with sound effects, clouds and a night sky of 118 twinkling stars in the auditorium. The original movie equipment was Motiograph Deluxe sound equipment, an extreme rarity at the time. The cooling and ventilating system was almost entirely invisible to the audience and consisted of two blowers powered by ten horsepower motors. In warm weather, the air was cooled through water. A renovation prior to 1956 resulted in the addition of stucco over the brick and stone façade. On November 22, 1963, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald was apprehended in the auditorium, propelling the Texas Theatre into the international spotlight. In April 1965, the theater was remodeled extensively on the exterior and interior. The uppermost section of the façade was removed and the theater's vibrant designs were sealed under stucco. United Artists closed the theater in 1989. In 1991 it was used in the filming of the movie, "JFK." In 2001, the Oak Cliff Foundation bought the theater. This Dallas landmark was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. Aviation Cinemas reopened the theater in 2010. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2013 Another footnote: WFAA (Channel 8) in Dallas, TX reported that the marker here needs a clarification and will be replaced. Oswald was arrested here technically for shooting Officer J.D. Tippit a few blocks away. The marker says that Oswald was apprehended here for President Kennedy’s assassination. In reality, police didn’t file that charge against Oswald until nearly midnight on November 22.
The Gatlinburg Space Needle The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407 feet tall observation tower in Gatlinburg, TN. The tower has an outdoor observation level that provides a 360 degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the city of Gatlinburg. Upon completion in 1969, it was the second tallest tower in Tennessee. Currently it is the fifth tallest in the state, after several non-guyed TV and radio towers. Along with being the tallest structure in the city of Gatlinburg, the Space Needle base also hosts an arcade with video games, escape games and the Impossibilities magic show theater. This photo was taken from the Park Vista hotel which provides a rare view looking down on the Space Needle. Also, the mountain in the background still shows evidence of the 2016 wildfires. Here is a time lapse from this same vantage point: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou2hCr-Atrg
Palace Theater neon sign - Gallatin, TN Located in Historic Downtown Gallatin, the completely restored Palace Theater is the oldest silent movie theater still standing in Tennessee. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (as part of the Gallatin Commercial Historic District) and hosts a variety of shows, movies and events. I previously photographed this sign in 2008. Back then, the neon tubes had not been replaced yet. See it here: flic.kr/p/4R8udj
Scott Theater / Ross Country Jamboree Atop the coming soon posters on the left, I like the hand-painted "Showing this week at the..." Description taken from their website: rosstheater.square.site/about Ethel and William Luckett were responsible for the construction of the Scott theater and they ran the business until Pete and Judy West took over in 1980. The West were the owners until 2002, this having been an important part of the entertainment of many generation in and around Scottsburg. In 2002, it was sold to Bill and Phyllis Duke, who cashed in all the old movie equipment, cameras, etc. They re-opened as a county music Jamboree. In 2006, the enterprise was acquired by Ron Ross and he and his family increased the popularity of the venue significantly. The Luckett's made a dynamic couple who, in the 1930's and 1940's, ran theaters in Scottsburg and Austin. In 1938, they also developed a swimming pool entertainment complex that was located in the area of the intersection of North Gardener and Owen streets in Scottsburg. Excerpt from: Scottsburg Heritage: a Self- Guided Tour and History of Downtown
Gem Theater - Calhoun, GA www.calhoungem.org/
Pal Theater - Louisville, GA Located along Business US1 in the middle of town
Capitol Theater - Maryville, TN Today, it gets use as a movie theater and a wedding venue, hence the Aaron and Sarah on the marquee. For the history: www.bookthecapitol.com/historic_capitol.php The Capitol and the nearby Princess Theater are on the same block of Broadway (US411) in the historic business district of Maryville, TN
Sumner Drive-in Neon Sign - Gallatin, TN This vintage neon sign for the Sumner Drive-In is located at the Sumner County Museum in Gallatin, TN. A classic car is parked in front of it, so it had to be photographed at an angle, but I like the reflection off the car. The drive-in movie theater operated from 1947 to 1998.
Indiana Theater - Indianapolis From Wikipedia: The Indiana Theatre is a multiple use performing arts venue located at 140 W. Washington Street in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was built as a movie palace and ballroom in 1927 and today is the home of the Indiana Repertory Theatre. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It is located in the Washington Street-Monument Circle Historic District. The building is six stories and is of concrete frame construction. The front of the building is sheathed in white terra cotta. The main feature of the facade is the curving triangular arch with churrigueresque framing that fills the central bay above the marquee. The original marquee is still in place. The basement originally contained bowling alleys and billiard rooms. Upper floors were divided between office space and theater space. The interior included an entrance lobby, 2+1⁄2-story main lobby and a 3,200-seat auditorium. The auditorium was distinguished by elaborate plaster ornamentation based on Spanish Baroque motifs. The building is topped by the Indiana Roof Ballroom, a large atmospheric ballroom decorated to resemble a square surrounded by buildings with a stage at one end. The ballroom has an elliptical dome with sky effects. The theater is a major example of the American motion picture palace. The building was restored and the auditorium was extensively remodeled in 1979–80 to accommodate the needs of the Indiana Repertory Theatre.
Tower Theater - Oklahoma City This 1500 seat venue opened in 1937. It has one of the narrowest storefront I've seen for a cinema, as it has a long narrow hallway which leads to the theater further back from the street. The neon and Marquee still works and lights up at night. 23rd St. in Oklahoma is part of Route 66.
Sparta Drive-In sign This one screen drive-in theater is located a couple of miles north of town along highway TN135. At one time, the sign had neon.
Rose Theater - Forsyth, GA The Rose Theater is located on the town square in Forsyth. This photo was taken in 2020 and some renovations have been performed since then.
State Theater - Elizabethtown, KY The State Theater was built in 1942 in downtown Elizabethtown, KY along the Dixie Highway. It's a fine example of an Art Deco theater style.
State Theater - Elizabethtown, KY The State Theater was built in 1942 in downtown Elizabethtown, KY along the Dixie Highway. It's a fine example of an Art Deco theater style. The design also reminds us of the way segregation used to be with the door on the far right was for black people which led strait to the balcony.
Thomson Twin Cinema - Thomson, GA Located along US78 (Main St.) in Thomson, GA. This photo was taken in 2020 and they hadn't reopened after the pandemic yet. cinematreasures.org/theaters/19627
Opera House - Greencastle, IN The Opera House is on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Courthouse Square Historic District. Here is the test from the listing. 12-14 N. JACKSON STREET This is the Opera House, perhaps the most architecturally significant building in the district. It was built in 1875 for Edward Hanneman on the site of the last log structure on the courthouse square. When that log tavern was torn down to make way for this magnificent home of culture, it marked an important passage in the development of the community. A three story limestone building in the style of the Renaissance palazzo, the Opera House has been very little altered on the exterior. The original cast iron columns and pilasters, along with the wrought iron balcony, are still intact. The large parapet is also still there, though covered over with roofing material. The upper level was used as a theater until 1912, when it was converted to a movie house.
Seminole Theater - Homestead, FL seminoletheatre.org/about/seminole-theatre-history notes: In 1912, The Airdome Theater was built in Miami. It was dismantled and rebuilt in Homestead, then renamed Seminole Theater in 1919. That theater was closed and a second Seminole Theater was opened in 1921. It burned down in 1940. This one, the third Seminole Theater with an Art Deco exterior ws built in 1940. Closed in 1979 Damaged by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Preservationists helped reopen it in 2015.
Lancaster Theater neon sign - Grapevine, TX I have uploaded photos of the neon signs of historic downtown Grapevine's Lancaster Theater and Palace Theater at the same time. Both are part of the art deco era Palace Arts Center. Palace Theater was built in 1940 and was saved from demolition in 1991. The Lancaster Theater is more modern as a 1930s grocery store next door was converted to a theater as part of the Palace restoration.
Palace Theater neon sign - Grapevine, TX I have uploaded photos of the neon signs of historic downtown Grapevine's Lancaster Theater and Palace Theater at the same time. Both are part of the art deco era Palace Arts Center. Palace Theater was built in 1940 and was saved from demolition in 1991. The Lancaster Theater is more modern as a 1930s grocery store next door was converted to a theater as part of the Palace restoration.
Princess Theater at night - Harriman, TN The neon is new. Here is a picture before it was added: flic.kr/p/eaRT3Z Note: There were people in costume in front of the theater. The had a showing of Princess Bride on this night. The Princess Theater opened in Harriman in 1926 and was notable for being a large 900-seat theater for a small town. The theater was destroyed by a fire in 1939 but reopened later that year. The theater thrived for several decades but in 1987 the company that owned it wanted to close it. Theater manager Cecil Johnson leased the building and continued to operate it until he retired in 1999. Starting in 2001, several local organizations began to raise money to restore the theater. The goal was to get the Princess back to its Art Deco grandeur. For the full story: www.princessharriman.org/history/ The theater is located right in the heart of Harriman's business district along Roane St. (US27). It is included on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Roane Street Commercial Historic District.
State Theater - Atlanta, TX Opened July 17, 1941 but now closed. The exterior features white edged in gold colored pressed tin with red brick. The marquee features the word STATE in red color and an Aztec style.
Capitol Theater sign at dusk - Lebanon, TN
Iris Theater neon sign - Terell, TX Located along US80 in Terell, TX, the theater was built in 1925, but closed in 2001. This sign was refurbished in 2015.
Palace Theater - Childress, TX The Palace Theater is a contributing property to the Childress Commercial and Civic Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also listed as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. Notes from the nominating form: One‐part commercial block movie theater in the Art Moderne style with zigzag detailing, horizontal striped metal canopy, recessed entry with projecting ticket booth, black and white tiles in horizontal stripe pattern, and vertical "Palace" theater sign. The theater retains a high level of integrity. The Palace Theater was opened in 1937 after a previous theater was destroyed by fire. The theater was opened and operated by Mrs. Mable Phipps, widow of F. M. Phipps, and G. R. Layton, son of the late G. S. Layton.
Tropic Cinema - Key West, FL Tropic Cinema is a modern (2004) movie theater in Key West made with a retro, art deco design.
Rose / Marine Theater - Fort Worth, TX Opened in 1918 as the Roseland Theater. Renamed Rose Theater in 1929. In 1945, renamed to Marine Theater. It's located along (Bus US 287) N. Main St. This area is also part of the Marine Commercial Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
Gem Theater - Cairo, IL Cairo, IL is a fascinating city. A century ago, it was a thriving city at the southern end of Illinois where rivers meet. However, a large percentage of the population leaves every decade and eventually Cairo will be a ghost town. The town has fascinating and intricate architecture, but the few remaining citizens can't save everything. A few places are actively preserved, but many places are crumbling or have been torn down. cinematreasures.org/theaters/2668 This theater opened in 1936 in the shell of the original at this site which burned down. It closed in 1978 and has fallen into disrepair.
King Drive-In - Russellville, AL This is the sign in front of the Drive-in movie theater along highway US43 north of Russellville, AL Honestly, the place looked like it had been closed for years, so I was surprised to see it was open in 2023. Half the screen was missing, so I wonder if they sustained storm damage. There's a wikipedia page about this place which doesn't yet reflect how it is closed. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Drive-In The King Drive-In is a historic drive-in theater located in Russellville, Alabama. It is the oldest continually operating drive-in theater in the state of Alabama. The King Drive-In began showing films in 1949 when it was originally owned by namesake A.L. King. King's son, Morgan, took over operations in 1974. Traditionally, the theater screened films throughout the summer at this time when local children and teenagers were out of school. In more recent years, the drive in has opened earlier during the Spring and also remained open into the Fall. The King Drive-In remains among the last currently operating drive-in theater in North Alabama. It has survived for more than 60 years in Franklin County, despite the additions of digital screens in Florence, Alabama, as well as the attraction of area high school football games during the fall months. It has upgraded its facilities to include the transmission of sound through FM radio, as well as an upgraded screen and projector. Currently, the King Drive-In plays a double and sometimes triple features on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Trailers for upcoming films are played in between films to give customers time for concessions or a restroom break. The location is known as a gathering point for area youths and family on summer weekend nights.
Strand Theater - Marietta, GA The Strand opened its doors in 1935. It's located on the town square in Marietta, GA. The Strand was thriving until the early 50's when it changed owners several times. In 2002, when the property was vacant, locals helped fund the restoration of the theater. The curtain was raised again in 2008. Etched along the top: A monument devoted to the best in Music Photoplays and theatrical arts.
Roxy Theater - Russellville, AL Text of the marker: The Roxy Theatre was built in 1949. It has served as the center of entertainment and a landmark for Russellville and Franklin County for many years. It is the only one of its kind in Alabama. As movie theatres around the country fell victim to television and other forms of home entertainment, The Roxy Theatre was closed in 1976. It remained unoccupied until it was donated to the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council on December 31, 1987. The non-profit/volunteer organization has worked continually for the restoration of The Roxy with the goal of preserving it as an arts and cultural destination for future generations.
The Bijou Theater - Chattanooga, TN downtown The Bijou Theater shares its building with a parking garage and the northern terminal of the Chattanooga electric shuttle
Westland Theater - Elk City, OK The 800-seat theater opened in 1950. The exterior has an Art Deco design and still has the original marquee with vertical neon sign
MI.DE.GA Theater - Waverly, TN Along the town square. It looks like Mideca, but that C is really a G. Established in 1936. www.flexertheatres.com/midega.html
Lyric Theater - Loudon, TN The Lyric Theater dates back to 1912. For more info, they have a facebook page: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=47472937569 Note the Gone With the Wind and John Wayne painting to the right of the theater.
The movie murals of the Lyric Theater There is a small picnic area between the Lyric Theater of downtown Loudon, TN and the next business. Images of classic movies and stars are painted here. Unfortunatley, access to the area was locked the day I was there, or I would have gotten a better view.
Lincoln Theater - Marion VA
Plaza Theater sign - Glasgow, KY This historic theater is located just off the town square along Main Street in Glasgow. The theater is still in operation today. The full history is available on their website: www.plaza.org/aboutus/history.html
Plaza Theater - Glasgow, KY This historic theater is located just off the town square along Main Street in Glasgow. The theater is still in operation today. The full history is available on their website: www.plaza.org/aboutus/history.html
Mid-Town Drive-in Sign - Midtown, TN Midtown is a small town between Rockwood and Kingston along US70 (TN1) in Roane County. Despite the real estate sign in the photo, this Drive-in still appears to be running: bluemoontheatres.com/midtown.html
Palace Theater - Maryville, TN along with the Capitol Theater a few doors down, it's one of two vintage theaters along the main business strip in Maryville, TN. www.palacetheater.com/
Bijou Theater - Downtown Knoxville This theater has quite the history. The Theater dates back to 1908, but the building dates back to 1815 where it was built as a hotel. It went through a seedy period but in the late 70s a "Save the Bijou" campaign began to restore it to it's previous glory. Read the full story on their website here: www.knoxbijou.com/about-us/bijou-theatre-history
Bijou Theater - Downtown Knoxville This theater has quite the history. The Theater dates back to 1908, but the building dates back to 1815 where it was built as a hotel. It went through a seedy period but in the late 70s a "Save the Bijou" campaign began to restore it to it's previous glory. Read the full story on their website here: www.knoxbijou.com/about-us/bijou-theatre-history Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/terrifying-places-tn/ These 10 Terrifying Places In Tennessee May Haunt Your Dreams "If you’re in Knoxville for music or a movie you are more than likely going to head to the Bijou Theater. What you may not know, however, is that the glitz and glamour is tainted by the malevolent spirit of a man that stalks the halls. The theater was originally a home known as the Lamar House, and has been used as both an adult film theater and war hospital. Colonel William Sanders took his last breath in the bridal suite, and he is the only ghost amongst the soldiers and women of the night that has a solid identity. Come for entertainment, but you may just leave with a ghost." or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-theaters/ These 11 Theaters In Tennessee Will Give You An Unforgettable Viewing Experience
Theater Grill Purity Wall Ad - Smyrna, TN For those of you who don't live near Nashville, Purity Dairies is the perhaps the most popular brand of milk and ice cream in the area. (Their ads also launched the career of Jim Varney as Ernest.) It's on the side of a building in the small downtown area of Smyrna, TN. I think the building was the Regal Theater from 1910-1958. After that, it was the Theater Grill. Today, I believe it's vacant.
Cheekwood: Trains! 8 Beale Street and Tweetsie Three buildings of Beale Street are represented here: The Daisy Theater, King's Palace Restaurant and A. Schwab's Dry Goods Store. Trains! Tennessee in G is an exhbit at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville, TN running now through Dec. 2011. The Trains! exhibit is a unique blending of model trains and some of Tennessee's most iconic locations. The Garden Train exhibit was designed by Paul Busse of Applied Imagination of Alexandria, KY. Each of the buildings was designed using nature itself, such as sticks, twigs, tree bark, etc... The landscaping consists of over 2,500 tiny trees, shrubs and plants of over 250 varieties. There were seven different model trains running, a Southern Crescent passenger train, a Southern coal train, Chessie freight, Tweetsie Railroad, V&T RR, Thomas the Tank Engine and the Ladybug! I have a good sampling of the exhibit uploaded on flickr, but you can see all the photos on my website here: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/cheekwood...
Radford Theater - Radford, VA Along US11, the Old Lee Highway
Millwald Theater - Wytheville, VA The Millwald Theater was built with an Art Deco exterior, and I believe it opened in 1928 right in the middle of Wytheville. Since 2006, the property has been a church.
Millwald Theater (Version 2) - Wytheville, VA The Millwald Theater was built with an Art Deco exterior, and I believe it opened in 1928 right in the middle of Wytheville. Since 2006, the property has been a church.
Rex Theater - Galax, VA While it still shows classic movies, the theater, now owned by the city, is most famous for its weekly bluegrass show, which has been running for 70 years. Rex is the Latin word for King, and there is a crown atop the sign. The city department of tourism is located across the street from the theater. While I was in there, I noticed they give out free Galax guitar picks with the town slogan "the best pick in Virginia."
Park Theatre Neon Sign - McMinnville, TN This once thriving theater in downtown McMinnville, built in 1939, by Cowan Oldham, held 1,000 people, with one screen. This building was shut down in 1986, due to a contract with the Cumberland Amusement Company. The building is closed, but was bought out by a private group, and is currently being renovated to be a live entertainment center, and multi-use facility. The Theater is located along Main St., which is also old US70S (and TN1)
Park Theatre - McMinnville, TN This once thriving theater in downtown McMinnville, built in 1939, by Cowan Oldham, held 1,000 people, with one screen. This building was shut down in 1986, due to a contract with the Cumberland Amusement Company. The building is closed, but was bought out by a private group, and is currently being renovated to be a live entertainment center, and multi-use facility. The Theater is located along Main St., which is also old US70S (and TN1)
Moonlite Theater Marquee - Abingdon, VA The historic Moonlite Theater is a drive-in built in 1949 along the Lee Highway (now US11/19) between Abingdon and Bristol, VA. It is one of three Drive-in theaters on the National Register of Historic Places. When I took this picture over a year ago I thought they were closed for good, but they must have only been closed for the season. The marquee is in a little disrepair, but they have a website, so they are still going. Hello to anyone who found this here: charphar.wordpress.com/2013/01/12/in-case-you-missed-it/
Moonlite Theater - Abingdon, VA I don't often say view at large size, but you kind of have to with this photo with all those distracting diagonal squigglies going through the shrunken medium view of this. There's a bunck of horizontal lines on the back of the screen for this display. The historic Moonlite Theater is a drive-in built in 1949 along the Lee Highway (now US11/19) between Abingdon and Bristol, VA. It is one of three Drive-in theaters on the National Register of Historic Places. When I took this picture over a year ago I thought they were closed for good, but they must have only been closed for the season. The marquee is in a little disrepair, but they have a website, so they are still going.
Oldham Theater - Winchester, TN The Oldham Theater is a great looking old-fashioned small town square theater with well-preserved marquee and neon, still living up to it's 1950's grandeur.
Ritz Theater - Covington, TN This well maintained art deco storefront is just off the town square. Some space on the main floor has been converted to an antique store, while much of the theater seating space is now operated as a dinner theater. The Ruffin Theater is also in Covington on the other side of the square.
Ritz Theater - Covington, TN This well maintained art deco storefront is just off the town square. Some space on the main floor has been converted to an antique store, while much of the theater seating space is now operated as a dinner theater. The Ruffin Theater is also in Covington on the other side of the square. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/rural-small-town-tn/ 11 Small Towns In Rural Tennessee That Are Downright Delightful
Capitol Theater - Union City, TN The Capitol Theater opened in 1927 in the central business district in Union City. As on 1999, the Theater is on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1994, the theater was used for live action productions under the name Masquerade Theater. The Marquee can still light up at night.
Pulaski Theater - Pulaski, VA Located in the heart of Pulaski, just a block or two down the road from the historic courthouse. It was originally built as the Elks theater in 1911. The theater went out of business in 1922 and the property became a dry goods store. 15 years later, it became a theater again, this time as the Pulaski Theater. Eventually, they went out of business in 1991. To save it from deterioration and demolishment, the Friends of the Theater was established to purchase and save the venue. www.pulaskitheatre.org/
Luez Theater - Bolivar, TN A previous theater relocated to this spot in 1948 and has remained virtually unchanged ever since. The theater was originally managed by Louise Mask. She wanted a theater name that was only four letters long and picked Luez because of the similarity to her name. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-theaters/ These 11 Theaters In Tennessee Will Give You An Unforgettable Viewing Experience
Cameo Theatre faded mural - Bristol, VA This is painted on the side of the building along State Street in Bristol that used to house the theater. The theater closed many years ago and recently was the offices of a radio station. In the last couple of years, the theater's marquee and sign were taken down, leaving this painted sign as the only thing highlighting where it was.
Savannah Theater - Savannah, TN The historic theater is located on the court square behind the Hardin County Courthouse. For more info: savannahmainstreet.org/savannah-theater-and-arts.html
Maxwell's Big Star and Luez theater - Bolivar, TN Apparently, Maxwell's Big Star was at one time a chain of grocery stores in and around west TN, but the location in Bolivar seems to be the only one still around. As for the Luez, A previous theater relocated to this spot in 1948 and has remained virtually unchanged ever since. The theater was originally managed by Louise Mask. She wanted a theater name that was only four letters long and picked Luez because of the similarity to her name.
Tennessee Theater Located along Gay Street in downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee Theater is one of the finest in the state. The first show was in 1928. For the complete history, look here: tennesseetheatre.com/about-us/historical-timeline/
Tennessee Theater sign - Downtown Knoxville Located along Gay Street in downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee Theater is one of the finest in the state. The first show was in 1928. For the complete history, look here: tennesseetheatre.com/about-us/historical-timeline/
The first Theater in Loretto, TN The small town of Loretto in Lawrence County has conveniently put historical markers all over town for the minor points of interest. Also, someone was kind enough to trim the vines so that I could see a historical marker was in there. This Theater was built in 1948 by James Robinson and operated until the 60's. As you can tell from the picture, in the half century since then, the roof has fallen in and someone has used the building to stow junk.
Ritz Theater Sign and Marquee - Sheffield, AL The Ritz Theater dates back to 1927 back as a silent movie theater. It was redesigned in an Art Deco theme in the 1930 to accommodate films with sound. In 1985, the theater was purchased by the Tennessee Valley Art Association who restored the theater back to its Art Deco look. The neon sign is a replica of the original and was added in 2009.
Ritz Theater - Sheffield, AL The Ritz Theater dates back to 1927 back as a silent movie theater. It was redesigned in an Art Deco theme in the 1930 to accomidate films with sound. In 1985, the theater was purchased by the Tennessee Valley Art Association who restored the theater back to its Art Deco look. The neon sign is a replica of the original and was added in 2009. www.ttvaa.org/home/ritz_homepage.html
Saenger Theater - Biloxi, MS When constructed in 1929, the Biloxi Saenger Theater was hailed as "gem of the coast." Originally host to early sound films, traveling shows and vaudeville, the Saenger Theatre is now a performing arts center for the Gulf Coast.
Grand Shoals Theater - Florence, AL When this theater opened in 1948, its 1350 seats made it the fourth largest in the state of Alabama. Today, the theater is owned by the Zodiac Players. For the full history: shoalstheatre.com/history.htm
Lyric Theater - Downtown Birmingham savethelyric.com/
Fair Theater - Somerville, TN The Theater opened in October 1935 and was run for many decades by the Fair family. Located in Somerville's town square, the city purchased the theater in 1999. For more history: www.somervilletn.org/theater/index.htm
Henn Theater - Murphy, NC This historic theater is located in the central business district dates back to 1934 and in this location since 1942. The theater was opened and operated by P.J. Henn and his family for many years. At the same time, they played upon their barnyard heterograph and made a marquee logo of a hen with an H over it. www.henntheater.com/
DeKalb Theater - Ft. Payne, AL According to one source I found, it dates back to 1941 (even though it looks older) and went through remodeling and expansion in the 50's. It's located along US11 in the middle of town.
Bama Theater - Tuscaloosa, AL
Starlite Drive-in Sign - Christiansburg, VA This sign is along US11 (or the old Lee Highway) on the north side of town and it points to the drive in which is a block away.
State Theater Marquee - Kingsport, TN Located along Broad St. in Kingsport, the 700 seat State Theater dates back to 1936. It was remodeled in the mid-50s and closed in 1978. A few years ago it was purchased with the intention to refurbish it back to it's original condition with its grand re-opening in 2009. Full details can be found here: cinematreasures.org/theaters/12412 Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-theaters/ These 11 Theaters In Tennessee Will Give You An Unforgettable Viewing Experience
State Theater - Kingsport, TN Located along Broad St. in Kingsport, the 700 seat State Theater dates back to 1936. It was remodeled in the mid-50s and closed in 1978. A few years ago it was purchased with the intention to refurbish it back to it's original condition with its grand re-opening in 2009. Full details can be found here: cinematreasures.org/theaters/12412
Ruffin Theater - Covington, TN This theater just off Covington's town square originates in the 1920s as the Palace Theater but was damaged by a fire in 1936. Then, William Rufin bought the theater while making modern improvements. Over the years, it has been modified from a movie house to now also having a full theater stage. As the rumor goes, Elvis played here on March 16, 1955. Today, the theater is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Grand Theater - Frankfort, KY The historic theater located in Frankfort's Central Business District along St. Clair St. dates back to 1911 when it opened as a 135-seat vaudeville house. From there, it was converted to a movie theater and eventually expanded. Here is the full story: www.grandtheatrefrankfort.org/AboutUs/SGTHistory.aspx
Kentucky Theater Marquee - Downtown Lexington For the full, rich history, see their website: www.kentuckytheater.com/about/the-history-of-the-kentucky... UPDATE: This photo has made it into EXPLORE peaking at #106. Every time a photo of mine makes it, I am honored, and this is my second highest charted upload to date. Thanks to everyone!
Ritz Theater - Clinton, TN Located across the street from the Anderson County Courthouse and along US25W where it opened in 1945 and closed in 1969. Three years later it reopened as the Red Speeks' Country Music Theatre which was the venue for a local radio show until 1987. After being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, it was refurbished and reopened in 2000. It has a Moderne architectural style which continues to the Hoskins Drug Store next door.
Barter Theater - Abingdon, VA This theater has been named "The State Theater of Virginia" in 1946. The full story can be found here: www.encyclopediavirginia.org/Barter_Theatre
Pulaski, VA Mural Scenes include the Pulaski Theater Marquee, the Historic County Courthouse clock tower and a Norfolk Southern Caboose. It is located on S. Washington Ave. (US11)
Princess Theater - Harriman, TN The Princess Theater opened in Harriman in 1926 and was notable for being a large 900-seat theater for a small town. The theater was destroyed by a fire in 1939 but reopened later that year. The theater thrived for several decades but in 1987 the company that owned it wanted to close it. Theater manager Cecil Johnson leased the building and continued to operate it until he retired in 1999. Starting in 2001, several local organizations began to raise money to restore the theater. The goal was to get the Princess back to its Art Deco grandeur. It's not a cinema anymore but is now a performing arts venue. This photo was taken in 2011 before the renovations were complete, and now there is a beautiful marquee out front. For the full story: princesstheater.blogspot.com/ The theater is located right in the heart of Harriman's business district along Roane St. (US27). It is included on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Roane Street Commercial Historic District.
Lane Theater - Williamsburg, KY The Art Deco theater operated from 1948 to 1987. A local nonprofit was established to renovate and restore the local treasure.
Oldham Theater - Sparta, TN Oldham theater was built in the 1930's. It is now used as a sparta Visitor's Center as they try to refurbish the building to its older glory.
Court Theater - Huntingdon, TN Here is the theater's history as seen on their website: The Court Theatre has been a part of Huntingdon and the county for over 80 years. The building dates back to 1920. The original owner of the building was Lewis F. Johnson. He sold the building to Linnie McCracken Carter and in 1929 Ms. Linnie converted the building into a theatre. John Carter (age 95) remembers Linnie Carter operating the theatre in the 1930’s and 1940’s. He said they called her Boss and she always wanted to show the newest movies, even though they cost more. In 1940, Linnie sold the theatre to Rockwood Amusements, Inc. In 1986 the theatre was sold to Carl and Letha Holland. The Hollands sold the theatre a short time later to Rayburn and Brenda O'Brien in 1987. And the O'Brien's sold to Leslie E. Curtis, who most of us know as Mr. Les, in 1995. Mr. Les ran the theatre for 15 years until selling the theatre to the current owners Jacky and Dixie Atkinson in 2010. To our knowledge the Court Theatre has been in continous operation over these 80 years, with exception to its current closing for reconstruction. During the 1920’s through the 1940’s, the Carroll County Fair was held at Huntingdon’s Court Square. Talent shows and other events were held at the Court Theatre during the county fair. In the 50's the Court had Amateur night with a picture show afterwards. huntingdoncourttheatre.com/newpage.html
Lafayette Cinema at Dusk Located just off of the Lafayette town square, is this 1935 single screen theater.
Entrance to Capitol Theater - Lebanon, TN The Capitol Theater is now abandoned but on Main Street leading into the town square. Full story here: cinematreasures.org/theater/1811/
Capitol Theater sign and marquee - Lebanon, TN The Capitol Theater is now abandoned but on Main Street leading into the town square. Full story here: cinematreasures.org/theater/1811/
Capitol Theater sign - Lebanon, TN The Capitol Theater is now abandoned but on Main Street leading into the town square. Full story here: cinematreasures.org/theater/1811/ Where I am standing used to be the "West Side Hotel" which was next door, but now is an empty lot Hello to anyone who found this photo on the the new website of The Capitol. This is the first photo on "The Transformation Begins" slideshow. capitoltheatretn.com/photos
Howard Theater - Bruceton, TN Operational as a theater from 1940 to 1964.
Gem Theater - Etowah, TN Located in the central business district in Etowah, along the main road through town, US411. The theater opened in 1927 in a building that dates back to 1906. The complete history can be found on their website here: www.gemplayers.com/gemtheater.html Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/rural-small-town-tn/ 11 Small Towns In Rural Tennessee That Are Downright Delightful
