Pearliemae: Fascinating finds you posted! I have hoped to see an interior picture of the Roxy but had given up that one existed. My brothers and I saw many a movie there. There was never much patronage which was probably due to the racial prejudice so prevalent at the time. Pls. contact me at .com, and we can chat further.
I agree, Jack. However, the marquee is the only prominent part of the old theatre that still exists, and I would like for it to stay. Besides, as Winter Garden continues to grow, it will need another downtown live theatre, and I’m hoping the Gem will be used. By the way, the projection booth is still there. It is currently being used for storage by the store located in the north half of the building.
I’m so pleased to find this thoroughly researched story on the Ritz Theatre. I lived in Fort Myers 1961-67 and visited the theatre once to see a live play named “Monique.” I remember the Ritz’s sign hung on First Street for many years after the movie theatre closed.
Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, FL, ushers. My uncle, Arthur Lipscomb, is the last one on the right with his hand over his chest. Date unknown, but he told me he was on the first team of ushers when the Florida opened.
I was in Bend yesterday and visited the Tower Theatre. What a beautiful renovation—an Art Deco masterpiece! Thank you for allowing me to walk around the interior. You folks have much to be proud of.
The first 3D picture of the 1950s, BWANA DEVIL, played at the Roxy in 1952. Florida State Theatres apparently decided to play this high draw picture at the Roxy, possibly hoping to increase attendance at the theatre, and to help make people newly aware of its presence.
Is there any possibility that the Victor Theatre had some connection with, or was named after the Victor Animatograph Corporation, which was also located in Davenport?
Pearliemae: Fascinating finds you posted! I have hoped to see an interior picture of the Roxy but had given up that one existed. My brothers and I saw many a movie there. There was never much patronage which was probably due to the racial prejudice so prevalent at the time. Pls. contact me at .com, and we can chat further.
1954 Florida State Theatres ad for Orlando area posted to photo section.
1954 Orlando Florida State Theatres ad posted to photo section.
This is completely new information. Where on earth did yuu dig this up? Please share with the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation.
I agree, Jack. However, the marquee is the only prominent part of the old theatre that still exists, and I would like for it to stay. Besides, as Winter Garden continues to grow, it will need another downtown live theatre, and I’m hoping the Gem will be used. By the way, the projection booth is still there. It is currently being used for storage by the store located in the north half of the building.
I’m so pleased to find this thoroughly researched story on the Ritz Theatre. I lived in Fort Myers 1961-67 and visited the theatre once to see a live play named “Monique.” I remember the Ritz’s sign hung on First Street for many years after the movie theatre closed.
There are now three Baby Grand Theatres listed on Cinema Treasures. Such an unusual name.
I would love to see interior photos of this attractive theatre.
Sad.
I believe this is photo was actually taken in the projection booth of the Star-Lite Drive In Theatre, also in Winter Garden.
This is probably showing the removal of the vertical sign prior to moving it to a film/theatre museum. (1990s)
This is the Grand Theatre, located on Pine Street.
When the reopening was attempted, the Uma Theatre was under the management of MCM Theatres.
A sad history on this venue.
How horrifying to see all of the workmanship that created this beautiful theatre destroyed.
This theatre pretty much burned to the ground in the late 1960s or early 1970s.
Congratulations to all of you who participated in the reopening of this fine theatre. The pictures look great!
Computer graphics by Andy Crabtree of Crabtree Ink, Winter Garden, FL.
Projectionist at Garden Theatre, Winter Garden, FL. Name unknown.
Dixie Crystal Theatre, Clewiston, 1950
Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, FL, ushers. My uncle, Arthur Lipscomb, is the last one on the right with his hand over his chest. Date unknown, but he told me he was on the first team of ushers when the Florida opened.
I was in Bend yesterday and visited the Tower Theatre. What a beautiful renovation—an Art Deco masterpiece! Thank you for allowing me to walk around the interior. You folks have much to be proud of.
The first 3D picture of the 1950s, BWANA DEVIL, played at the Roxy in 1952. Florida State Theatres apparently decided to play this high draw picture at the Roxy, possibly hoping to increase attendance at the theatre, and to help make people newly aware of its presence.
The marquee after the Pulse Nightclub shootings, June, 2016
Is there any possibility that the Victor Theatre had some connection with, or was named after the Victor Animatograph Corporation, which was also located in Davenport?