Polk Theatre
121 S. Florida Avenue,
Lakeland,
FL
33801
121 S. Florida Avenue,
Lakeland,
FL
33801
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Showing 1 - 25 of 60 comments found
I’ve visited this theatre and it is a must-see when in Lakeland FL.
Here is the theater in July 2010.
Nice write-up with pictures:
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2010 B&W photo of the Polk Theatre.
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Having recently toured this theatre it is a must-see! I learned after speaking with one of the sresident organist that the organ was originally in a Canton Ohio theatre.
In fact, the entire building was transformed with the lovely addition of awnings, etc. I wish more downtowns made use of storefront awnings rather than see them turned into a rusty place for bird’s nests.
The new marquees etc. are just fantastic compared to how this theatre’s exterior looked in 1988. Complete transformation!
spectrum: Music to my ears when reading “complete restoration was completed”. Congratulations!!!
Complete restoration was completed in 1999.
Patsy, I really have to agree with you on your comment, it is a restored beauty of the past. Very impressive.
After viewing an 1988 exterior photo this theatre has come a long way! Congratulations.
WUSF’s Florida Matters broadcast on Historic Preservation includes a feature on the Polk Theatre. Here’s the link:
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2009 Photo
Another 1988 photo of the Polk Theatre.
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1988 Photo
This is another photo of the Polk Theater.
Another photo of the Polk Theatre.
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My March trip to FL will not only include the Marion in Ocala, but the Garden in Winter Garden and the Polk in Lakeland.
Yes, I noticed the wonderful interior photos and the following quote:
“The beautiful Polk Theatre in downtown Lakeland, Florida is one of only two original atmospheric theatres left in the state.”
There are two photos on that site that give you a peek at the auditorium.
Lost: Well, you continue to amaze me with your finds on my behalf so many times.
Patsy….Information about the Robert Morton theater organ can be found here. Photos included.
Lost: On the polktheatre.org site there was an Elvis/history of the theatre link with more photos, but none of the organ nor information about it.
Lost: If by chance you run across a photo showing the stage area from the back of the auditorium, let me know. I’d like to see an original photo perhaps showing the original organ….Robert Morton 3/12 organ. I wonder if this was the original or a replacement organ?
Lost: That “shot from the stage” is unbelievable! I may have to now include this theatre while in Florida!