Central Theatre
11 Oak Street,
Lawrence,
MA
01841
11 Oak Street,
Lawrence,
MA
01841
1 person
favorited this theater
The last of the single screen theatres in Lawrence, MA. While most auditoriums shut down, this theatre continued to run movies until 1986. In its last few years of operation, it had Spanish-language films early in the week, then a double feature on weekends.
Contributed by
Jim Fraas
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Recent comments (view all 11 comments)
The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Central Theatre in Lawrence has a facade photo taken in 1941. There was a 2-sided triangle-style marquee with 3 lines of black letters on a white background. At the apex of the triangle was a logo “Val Jean”. The Report states that the Central was on Oak Street, that it had been playing MGM product for 1 year; that it was built in 1939; that it was in “New” condition; and that it had 600 seats all on one floor.
“The last of the single screen theatres in Lawrence, MA.” And yes, is this theatre still standing? It would be nice to think that the folks of Lawrence have saved this one after losing all of the many theatres in their community.
Does anyone have a picture of this theater? It is now a church and the congregation would like to restore the building and a picture would help.
Ron Salters, Where can I find ther MGM Photograph and Reports form with the picture you mentioned? I tried to look it up on the web and cannot find it there nor on the bookstore web sites.
Thanks
Lancerfan
This is an abandoned theater in Lawrence, but I can’t say that it’s the Central. It’s certainly not either of the other two Lawrence theaters listed on CT:
http://tinyurl.com/34v693
Thank You for the picture. I believe this is probably the Central Theater in Lawrence when it was abandoned. I was looking for a picture of what it looked back when it was an operating theater – inside pictures too if poossible, but I don’t think there are any. It looks very different now on the outside. There is no Marquee and the front entrance is a flagstone. The church has done a nice job. Thanks Again.
I forgot to mention they did find some old theater things inside when they were clearing it out, but I am not sure what they did with them. They were looking to see if it could be named a historical site, but they need more information on it. I will continue to look.
The photo link posted above on March 9 by ken mc matches the 1941 photo of the Central Theatre, even to the little jog in the center of the roof line above the entrance. Lancerfan, for an explanation of the MGM Theatre Photograph and Report project, see under the Warner Theatre in Worcester.
If I had the money to fix it up and reopen it i would do it. I’m not from lawrence but I was practically raised here. There is so much potential in this little city and I believe the abandoned places like these should be fixed so the new generations can enjoy them.
Mirelys V. I think most all of us on CT have thought that about the old Hometown theatre no matter where Home is.