Edna Theatre
201 W. Main Street,
Edna,
TX
77957
201 W. Main Street,
Edna,
TX
77957
7 people
favorited this theater
The Edna Theatre opened in 1949, and is an imposing structure located in downtown Edna, Texas. The large outdoor neon sign soars to the sky, and its spire can be seen from Highway 59. The exterior sidewalk is terrazzo and old mirrors adorn the doors. The ticket booth is decorated with porcelain tiles in various colors. The lobby has a wide staircase leading to a second floor balcony. The Edna Theatre may have once been a part of Frels Theaters, a movie chain that operated in and around Victoria, Texas.
The Edna Theatre closed in the late-1970’s or early-1980’s. In fall of 2011, plans were announced to restore the Edna Theatre.
Contributed by
Bob Machann
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Recent comments (view all 67 comments)
Here are some photos I took May 13, ‘09. Neat theater. Would have liked to have seen it when it was new.
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Great photos JohnS..thank you for sharing.
Excellent photographs “JohnS,” you brought back some memories. The last film I saw in the theater was Star Wars, back in 1977. Nevertheless, are you the owner? Will you be the one to refurbish/reopen the theater? If not, do you know who the owner is? I would be much like to get in contact with that person. I hope your evening goes well…
The Theater is owned by a group in Jackson co. The restoration and future operations fall under the Texana Arts Council who have been working very hard this last year to bring the entire project from vision to reality. EmaI me for more info .
Here is a Christmas Eve 2009 photo of the Edna. I hadn’t seen it at night before other than in pictures. Really special theater. T\Smythe, the owner of the Ganado theater has access to the theater if you are in the area. He has a neat theater too. He has a new sign and neon as of this past thanksgiving 09.
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If you use 201 W. Main as the address, the theater shows up. Using Business 59 puts you some distance away.
Become a fan of the Edna Theatre Restoration Project on Facebook.
From the Victoria Advocate, March 16, 1950:
New Theater At Edna Is Opened.
Edna, March 16â€"With true carnival spirit, some 3,000 or more citizens of Edna and the surrounding territory witnessed the opening of the new Edna Theatre here Tuesday night (March 14, 1950).
For eight years the people here have been attending the movies in a remodeled store building with a very limited seating capacity. The only theater burned down eight years ago and because of the war it was impossible to build another.
The new Edna Theatre, operated by J.G. Long Theatres, Inc., of Bay City, opens a new world for local movie-goers.
The theater is as modern as one can be built at this time.
Eighty tons of refrigeration will cool the theatre in summer and a large heating plant will make it equally as comfortable during the winter.
Previous to the opening a parade and band concert by the Edna Cowboy Band, conducted by R. J. Kluge, entertained the several thousand persons awaiting admittance. During a short dedicatory ceremony in the auditorium after the opening, L. O. Wallace of the Long organization acted as master of ceremonies and he introduced Glenn McClain of the Long chain, Mayor Harry Mauritz and Dr. R. E. Lee, president of the chamber of commerce of Edna, for short talks. Fred M. Smith was introduced as the manager of the new theatre.
In addition to the theatre, the Edna, the building also houses four business firms, including a modern grocery store. The theatre seats 1,000 and is reported to be one of the finest shows between San Antonio and Houston.
The premier feature was “Father Is a Bachelor†with William Holden and Coleen Gray.
From what I’ve seen of it, it had to be a very special, modern theater in it’s day. I wish them all the luck in the world.
The Edna Theater is in the running for a $250,000 grant from Pepsi Refresh. Please go to the link below to vote daily and please tell others as well!
http://www.refresheverything.com/ednatheater