Lights flicker out at Zephyrhills' theater

posted by Michael Zoldessy on December 21, 2007 at 10:40 am

ZEPHYRHILLS, FL — After almost 60 years, the Home Theatre is closing its doors, but may not be gone for good.

When it opened in 1948, it was billed as one of the most modern movie theaters in the South, with comfortable seats, a wide stage and a glass-enclosed “crying room” for cranky babies.

It was a big deal for small-town Zephyrhills. On opening day, ladies in evening gowns passed out carnations and cigars to the customers.

Times changed, however. Suburban megaplexes, with multiple screens, corporate advertising budgets and giant parking lots offered stiff competition. The Home Theatre, with its two screens and tiny bathrooms, became an anachronism. It stopped pulling in the crowds.

Now, the lettering on the downtown landmark’s darkened marquee reads, “For Rent.”

Read more at the Tampa Tribune.