Flagler Theater

The town of Flagler is perhaps one of the smallest towns in the US that still hosts an operating theater at a population of over 600. The theater was constructed and opened in 1930. Half of the building is the theater, and the other is a clothing store which is owned and operated by the same lady who has the theater.

The theater is a well preserved time capsule, to put it mildly. Mrs. Arthena Witt, the owner, pointed out that the only alterations the theater has received in its 77 years of existence are carpeting, a concession stand and a partition enclosing the restroom doors from the theater, all added in the 1960s.

The seats are mostly wooden with a few that are upholstered and the projection booth is completely original with Century projectors and carbon arc lamphouses running 2000' reels. There are beautiful art deco murals on the walls depicting nature scenes while the rest of the theater is covered in beautiful 1930s era panelling.

It was purchased by the Witt family in 1974 and Mrs. Witt’s daughter is the projectionist with Mrs. Witt and other family members taking care of the management and other operations.

This theater only operates June through September and is mostly kept open to entertain the youth and other residents of this small, isolated farming community. This is an amazing theater and I would encourage anyone to visit. I hope to attend a movie there this summer.

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