I’m very saddened to learn about this theatre and how it is being used in 2012. I’m about to read the book by David Margolick, Elizabeth and Hazel. Perhaps all of us should read it and add To Kill A Mockingbird to that list of civil rights books.
Just learned of this theatre through a theatre generated conversation. Always fun to learn about another theatre and to read the words…“this building is still standing”!
Does this theatre not have an official name other than being listed as “colored theatre”? We all know that most theatres in the south had a colored section and entrance so it would be nice to list this theatre by its correct name. Thanks.
The National Preservation Conference is being held in Buffalo this week and one of the events is on Saturday, October 22 from 1-2 at the Ellicott Building. It’s a Vitascope Theater 115th Birthday Party. It is free with a reservation or conference badge.
When I was at the Tampa Theatre I didn’t know that there had been an orchestra pit though realize now that a theatre of that era would most certainly have had one. Do hope plans are made to uncover that area and use it once again as an orchestra pit for live productions!
Joe: You are correct as I know one of the ADW architects, Bob Lauer. They did a wonderful job with bringing a cinema to Davidson NC after many years of not having a cinema in the quaint college town.
Yes, every community deserves at least one handsome movie theatre though they all can’t be like this Warner. Erie PA has their never-closed Warner and is a must-see!
I brought up the link, but didn’t see any text…only a great photo of the underside of the marquee being restored. Can you repost this Buffalo News article?
LouB: Thanks for the Buffalo News link! I have heard there is an outdoor cafe near the Palace. It would be fun to meet there for lunch some afternoon and tour the Palace. My husband and I are in the western NY area and can be reached at
I’m very saddened to learn about this theatre and how it is being used in 2012. I’m about to read the book by David Margolick, Elizabeth and Hazel. Perhaps all of us should read it and add To Kill A Mockingbird to that list of civil rights books.
This theatre should be listed as “restoring”. Would like to know the month and date this theatre opened in 1936.
This theatre has also been featured in a recent Travel magazine.
Love that ticket kios!
Just learned of this theatre through a theatre generated conversation. Always fun to learn about another theatre and to read the words…“this building is still standing”!
What exactly is the current status of this theatre?
Does this theatre not have an official name other than being listed as “colored theatre”? We all know that most theatres in the south had a colored section and entrance so it would be nice to list this theatre by its correct name. Thanks.
This theatre recently showed up on FB’s Vintage Los Angeles with a vintage exterior photo and lobby photo!
The National Preservation Conference is being held in Buffalo this week and one of the events is on Saturday, October 22 from 1-2 at the Ellicott Building. It’s a Vitascope Theater 115th Birthday Party. It is free with a reservation or conference badge.
When I was at the Tampa Theatre I didn’t know that there had been an orchestra pit though realize now that a theatre of that era would most certainly have had one. Do hope plans are made to uncover that area and use it once again as an orchestra pit for live productions!
Nice to see an original exterior look as I do recall it being the Florida Theatre. Love the ticket kios facing the sidewalk, too.
Wish the interior had been kept original as it would be quite an original landmark now in 2011.
Quite the video for palmbeachdramaworks! Congratulations on their upcoming opening 11.11.11
Joe: You are correct as I know one of the ADW architects, Bob Lauer. They did a wonderful job with bringing a cinema to Davidson NC after many years of not having a cinema in the quaint college town.
Was there another Circle Theatre in Indianapolis that was demolished? Believe it was located downtown near Monument Circle.
And the link posted on October 20, 2009 doesn’t work anymore…..can anyone help??
Would love to see a lobby photo and read what the tower is used for then and now.
Yes, every community deserves at least one handsome movie theatre though they all can’t be like this Warner. Erie PA has their never-closed Warner and is a must-see!
This theatre is marked as closed and it should be marked as demolished.
I called the Ridgway Chamber of Commerce and have learned that the town spells its name as Ridgway without the letter E.
What is Jacko’s?
Thanks Irv!
The name at the former Rialto Theatre site looks like Jacko’s. What is there now and is there anything reminiscent of it being a theatre?
I brought up the link, but didn’t see any text…only a great photo of the underside of the marquee being restored. Can you repost this Buffalo News article?
LouB: Thanks for the Buffalo News link! I have heard there is an outdoor cafe near the Palace. It would be fun to meet there for lunch some afternoon and tour the Palace. My husband and I are in the western NY area and can be reached at