Central Theater
1201 N. Central Avenue,
Tampa,
FL
33602
1201 N. Central Avenue,
Tampa,
FL
33602
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The Central Theater was a Negro theater located in "The Scrub," the black neighborhood just north of Downtown Tampa. It was in operation from 1930, and was closed between 1949 to 1951. It was reopened and continued until at least 1955.
While this area was the heart of Tampa’s black community, urban renewal and construction of Interstate 4 (later 275) led to this entire area being destroyed, with a part of it becoming housing projects. The Central Theater was demolished sometime around then.
Contributed by
Andy
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Recent comments (view all 4 comments)
What a fantastic display of posters! Here’s a photo dated 3/5/34 showing front of theatre with posters and two small trucks that made the rounds advertising current and coming attractions. Note banner for “Whispering Shadow” with Bela Lugosi(!!) within the left archway:
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Nick,I really didn’t need to see all those onesheets.LOL.
1942 photo of the Central Theatre
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Thanks.I wish Nick had the time to put the hundreds of pictures he has taken on CT.