If it closed in 1955, I wonder if it has set dormant all these years? I’m still waiting on a reply from the current owners of the bistro to see if they or someone else is planning to restore the theatre. If I don’t get an email response this week, I plan to call the bistro.
The b/w vintage photo on the site above was given to me by Big Time for a Dime author, Conover NC resident and fellow CT member, Don Barker. I now have it framed. Thanks Don.
Interesting LA Times article! This theatre went from being an art deco theatre to a porno theatre to a church, but sits vacant now. Would love to see a photo of that “signature neon spire”. Hope this one gets saved and restored in Long Beach CA.
Go to the link below to read more about this theatre and the City of Providence proclaiming Feb 17 as Temptations Day. Otis Williams is the last remaining original Temptation.
Chuck: I would love to see a vintage photo of this theatre which might show the original marquee as the one in all of the above photos can’t be the original. And this theatre is only one of many contributed by LM on CT.
Jeff D: The Cuillo Centre’s website should make mention of it having been the Florida Theater with a rich history in the downtown WPB area! I may send them an email if one is provided on the Cuillo Centre site!
I see that this theatre is listed as “closed/demolished”, but I was not aware that it had been demolished. In March of 2003 it was still standing and being used though not as a theatre.
Below is a reply to me from Carl Weese, photographer of the New York Times article:
It’s interesting that a lot of DI theaters tried the adult entertainment route in desperation but it essentially never worked. Some recent online research I did has turned up two DIs in Texas that advertise adult entertainment, but they certainly are the exception. From the beginning, my research has shown, successful DIs followed a “family entertainment” model. Not just movies suitable for kids, but playgrounds and other kid-oriented activities, and pricing structures that made a night at the DI about the most economical evening out available to a young family with kids. It’s still true I’ve found at theaters that continue to succeed. A nice touch I’ve encountered at quite a few theaters: in high summer when even the first show starts really late, they show a kid’s feature first and then something R-rated as the second feature, since the little kids have long ago gone to sleep in the cars…I’m not familiar with Cinema Treasures but will look into it. Thanks for getting in touch.—-Carl
A beautiful theatre exterior, but not sure what is going on with their marquee…is it or was it copper? BTW, it sure looks like former CT member, Lost Memory left his mark on this theatre link with his posts, exclusively! I, for one, miss him and wish he would return as he was a valued member!
This is a wonderful article with site to view many b/w drive-in photos by Carl Weese. I then went and viewed the many photos of white churches. Amazing collection of churches and drive-in theatres! The one with the screen seen among the trees was most striking though sad. Thank you Mr. Weese for your talented photograhic eye.
This may have been discussed, but now that I see the theatre had or has 4 screens I wonder if the renovation will return this theatre to a single screen format?
There was an Embassy Theatre in Hickory NC.
Such a shame to see this theatre in such a state of neglect now!
Will do!
Carl: Is this Ray Heinz still around doing his “work” in Peoria? I hope not.
“not worthy of a second glance”…such a shame as the marquee on the Palace and the ticket kios were special.
Sorry to read that this theatre was demolished for what is probably condos with a name such as Twin Towers Place.
If it closed in 1955, I wonder if it has set dormant all these years? I’m still waiting on a reply from the current owners of the bistro to see if they or someone else is planning to restore the theatre. If I don’t get an email response this week, I plan to call the bistro.
The b/w vintage photo on the site above was given to me by Big Time for a Dime author, Conover NC resident and fellow CT member, Don Barker. I now have it framed. Thanks Don.
This link shows a vintage photo of the Wine Cellar and Bistro when it was a Western Auto Associate Hardware and the State nearby.
http://www.thewinecellarandbistro.com/History.html
Interesting LA Times article! This theatre went from being an art deco theatre to a porno theatre to a church, but sits vacant now. Would love to see a photo of that “signature neon spire”. Hope this one gets saved and restored in Long Beach CA.
Correction: The site is http://www.otiswilliams.net/news1.aspx
Go to the link below to read more about this theatre and the City of Providence proclaiming Feb 17 as Temptations Day. Otis Williams is the last remaining original Temptation.
http://www.otiswilliams.net/news1
Chuck: I would love to see a vintage photo of this theatre which might show the original marquee as the one in all of the above photos can’t be the original. And this theatre is only one of many contributed by LM on CT.
JohnS: 100 in 2015! A nice birthday present would be a vertical sign!
On the 1984 photo it reads Morgantown and it should read Morganton.
Trip was canceled, but plans to see this former theatre are still on my winter docket.
Jeff D: As a follow-up…..an email as been sent to Z. Phillips, Executive Director of the Cuillo Centre for the Arts.
Jeff D: The Cuillo Centre’s website should make mention of it having been the Florida Theater with a rich history in the downtown WPB area! I may send them an email if one is provided on the Cuillo Centre site!
I see that this theatre is listed as “closed/demolished”, but I was not aware that it had been demolished. In March of 2003 it was still standing and being used though not as a theatre.
Below is a reply to me from Carl Weese, photographer of the New York Times article:
It’s interesting that a lot of DI theaters tried the adult entertainment route in desperation but it essentially never worked. Some recent online research I did has turned up two DIs in Texas that advertise adult entertainment, but they certainly are the exception. From the beginning, my research has shown, successful DIs followed a “family entertainment” model. Not just movies suitable for kids, but playgrounds and other kid-oriented activities, and pricing structures that made a night at the DI about the most economical evening out available to a young family with kids. It’s still true I’ve found at theaters that continue to succeed. A nice touch I’ve encountered at quite a few theaters: in high summer when even the first show starts really late, they show a kid’s feature first and then something R-rated as the second feature, since the little kids have long ago gone to sleep in the cars…I’m not familiar with Cinema Treasures but will look into it. Thanks for getting in touch.—-Carl
CWalczak: You are most correct and thank you.
CWalczak: How did you find the story about Drive-In photographer, Carl Weese? I viewed his many b/w photos and then sent him an email.
A beautiful theatre exterior, but not sure what is going on with their marquee…is it or was it copper? BTW, it sure looks like former CT member, Lost Memory left his mark on this theatre link with his posts, exclusively! I, for one, miss him and wish he would return as he was a valued member!
This is a wonderful article with site to view many b/w drive-in photos by Carl Weese. I then went and viewed the many photos of white churches. Amazing collection of churches and drive-in theatres! The one with the screen seen among the trees was most striking though sad. Thank you Mr. Weese for your talented photograhic eye.
This may have been discussed, but now that I see the theatre had or has 4 screens I wonder if the renovation will return this theatre to a single screen format?