Gem Theater

In 1908 two conjoined buildings were erected in downtown Palestine, Texas. The left side was built by Judge P.W. Brown and became the gas company. The right side, built by Judge B.H. Gardner, became a silent movie theatre, called the Gem Picture Palace. Upstairs were sixteen offices housing doctors, dentists, and lawyers.

The Gem ceased to be a movie theater in the 1930’s when the structure became the office for Texas Power and Light until the 1970s. In 1996 the twin buildings were bought by Roddy and Susan Millichamp. After three years of intense restoration, the old Gem Theater was reopened as the Star of Texas Antiques shop.

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