The Palace was the last African American theater to open in Wilmington. It was located at 913 Castle Street, in the Dry Pond neighborhood of Wilmington, not far from the location of the Queen, Wilmington’s first black theater. (Wilmington Post, January 3, 1948, Reaves Collection, New Hanover County Public Library).
The Palace was one of the few, if not the only, black theater in Wilmington’s history to advertise in white newspapers. Ads from the 1940s show the theater frequently ran westerns.
In 1955 the Palace was closed and, according to city directories from the period, was replaced by a Veterans of Foreign Wars hall.
First learned of this theatre while reading about a theatre in Etowah TN….the Gem. The article about the Isis was in the Knoxville Sentinel. Love the art deco interior!
Just learned about this former theatre in Etowah. It’s a shame it still doesn’t exit. The b/w 1948 photo of its marquee and crowd of movie goers is a wonderful tribute photo to this theatre. Thanks Joe!
Was the Lake in town? Interesting to learn of the Majestic and the Alcazar, too. Brocton is famous for their Main Street arch at the main intersection and traffic light in town. A campaign was started to restore this arch that is the only arch of its kind East of the Mississippi River.
The building looks to be in sound condition and would make a great cinema again for the area as the cinema near the I-90 interchange shouldn’t be the only choice! Would love to know who, presently, owns this building!
Also recall the nearby Catholic Church owns the former Regent Theatre building and uses it for storage. I think the seats were removed many years ago though its closing in 1992 wasn’t that long ago.
This gem of a theatre with its original looking wood “half-moon doors” should never….go away! Any town that has a theatre as nice as this one should always “treasure” it as it is a true CINEMA TREASURE!
The Palace was the last African American theater to open in Wilmington. It was located at 913 Castle Street, in the Dry Pond neighborhood of Wilmington, not far from the location of the Queen, Wilmington’s first black theater. (Wilmington Post, January 3, 1948, Reaves Collection, New Hanover County Public Library).
The Palace was one of the few, if not the only, black theater in Wilmington’s history to advertise in white newspapers. Ads from the 1940s show the theater frequently ran westerns.
In 1955 the Palace was closed and, according to city directories from the period, was replaced by a Veterans of Foreign Wars hall.
First learned of this theatre while reading about a theatre in Etowah TN….the Gem. The article about the Isis was in the Knoxville Sentinel. Love the art deco interior!
Lived there for about a year and don’t recall hearing about this theatre.
Just learned about this former theatre in Etowah. It’s a shame it still doesn’t exit. The b/w 1948 photo of its marquee and crowd of movie goers is a wonderful tribute photo to this theatre. Thanks Joe!
I recently learned of this theatre from a TN resident and hope to visit it this winter.
Was the Lake in town? Interesting to learn of the Majestic and the Alcazar, too. Brocton is famous for their Main Street arch at the main intersection and traffic light in town. A campaign was started to restore this arch that is the only arch of its kind East of the Mississippi River.
This restored theatre is a must-see when in Knoxville! Hope to revisit this winter!
I just learned about this beautiful theatre and that it in located in Joliet Illinois…home of the Drew Peterson trial.
Chuck: Thanks for the nostalgic explanation of “fun days back when”! Aloha
I have printed out your lengthy information and will present it to Dalton, Jr. at his office!
James: Hope to hear from you as I know Dalton, Jr. and his wife though I’ve never discussed his father’s theatre history and would like to do so.
Nice to learn of this theatre that was once in Winter Garden FL besides the present day Garden Theatre!
The building looks to be in sound condition and would make a great cinema again for the area as the cinema near the I-90 interchange shouldn’t be the only choice! Would love to know who, presently, owns this building!
Also recall the nearby Catholic Church owns the former Regent Theatre building and uses it for storage. I think the seats were removed many years ago though its closing in 1992 wasn’t that long ago.
psomerf: Did you recently most on FB about this clock? Would love to see it so must head to the museum on Washington Avenue.
Love the little boy in line to see a movie back then.
Geauga is pronounced gee-au-ga.
Great art deco exterior facade…may have to check it out this winter.
This gem of a theatre with its original looking wood “half-moon doors” should never….go away! Any town that has a theatre as nice as this one should always “treasure” it as it is a true CINEMA TREASURE!
Was also told that the theatre’s original name was the Oasis.
I just learned of this theatre with its restored marquee from personnel at the Aurora Theatre in East Aurora NY (suburb of Buffalo).
Tinseltoes: Great photo you posted on 7/21/2010. In October a group called Straight No Chaser will take to the Palace stage!
This theatre was featured in a recent Preservation magazine. Worth the read!
Help restore the organ @ http://www.pensacolasaenger.com/fos/saenger-pipe-organ/
Interesting bit of information. Shelby NC was also the State Capitol for a period of time.