Ritz Theatre
302 N. Patterson Street,
Valdosta,
GA
31601
302 N. Patterson Street,
Valdosta,
GA
31601
1 person
favorited this theater
The Ritz Theatre opened in the early 1920’s. All seating was on one level in the orchestra level. It was operated by the Martin Theatres chain in the 1940’s.
The Ritz Theatre was closed in May 1973.
Any further information on this building is appreciated.
Contributed by
KenRoe
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Recent comments (view all 15 comments)
Here is a photo circa 1920s:
http://tinyurl.com/yf4f3uz
What is the source of the photo posted on 1/13/10? Who should the credit be given to?
The photo posted on 1/13/2010 is the photo of the the theatre published in “American Theatres of Today” which also features an interior shot of the theatre shortly after it opened.
On a note about the Alamo/Strand, on a recent visit to Valdosta it was discovered that the building is still standing, although there are retail spaces in the lower section of the building, it could be posssible that some remnants of the theatre remains in the upper sections of the building. Also there was for a time The Rex Theatre next door to the Alamo.
J, thanks for giving credit where credit was due for the photo. The book you mentioned, “American Theatres of Today”, is it available for purchase?
“American Theatres of Today” is available through the Theatre Historical Society as a new reprint. Also you might find the reprint that theVestal Press did back in the 70’s thru Amazon.com. or some online book sellers,the originals are hard to find.
The Ritz occupied a mixed-use building of the sort much favored in the 1920s. Flanking the theatre foyer on the ground floor were retail shop spaces facing Patterson Street. Also overlooking the street were office spaces above the shops. It was in many respects a typical small-town southern theatre of its time.
Indeed, the Ritz featured retail shops on its street facade, including Ritz Fashions. This shop moved to 2235 N. Ashley Street in May, 1973. The Ritz showed its final film (“Book of Numbers” at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30,1973. The day after, the Cinema I and II theatres opened at Valdosta’s five points as a replacement for the venerable Ritz.
i visted the RITZ one time got a tour and took pictures .It was a playhouse at the time.
I have just posted in the Atlanta Chapter ATOS Dec. 2010 newsletter a brief story about some of the theatre’s in Valdosta, mainly the Ritz. Including then and now photo’s. Just google up the Atlanta Chapter ATOS and go to that newsletter. Hope you enjoy.
The Ritz was the site of the 15th American Legion Convention in 1933. Meetings were held at the theater and evening events and dinners were held at the new post home at it’s current location on Williams St.