Comments about Central Theatre in Lawrence, MA

Mike Rogers on March 10, 2011 at 7:41 pm

Mirelys V. I think most all of us on CT have thought that about the old Hometown theatre no matter where Home is.

Mirelys19 on March 10, 2011 at 7:02 pm

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.

rsalters (Ron Salters) on April 22, 2007 at 7:34 am

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.

Lancerfan on March 9, 2007 at 4:07 pm

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.

Lancerfan on March 9, 2007 at 4:04 pm

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.

kencmcintyre on March 9, 2007 at 1:28 pm

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

Lancerfan on February 1, 2007 at 4:15 pm

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

Lancerfan on January 28, 2007 at 4:16 pm

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.

Patsy on July 20, 2006 at 8:22 am

“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.

rsalters (Ron Salters) on April 10, 2006 at 8:39 am

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.

Ron Newman on February 8, 2005 at 9:44 pm

Is it still standing? What is it used for now?

Central Theatre

11 Oak Street, Lawrence, MA 01841

11 Oak Street,
Lawrence, MA 01841