Very unfortunately, the Garden Theatre closed abruptly in early October, 2024. The management and board cited severe financial problems The building is owned by the City of Winter Garden, and the city manager has stated that the theatre will return. Stay tuned.
New photo in photo section: In 1941, the Imperial Theatre on Forsyth Street opened in 1911, according to Florida Times-Union archives. “No money will be spared to make our theater the acme of perfection,” said general manager N.W. Redmond at the time. “Our aim is to entertain the public with the very best moving pictures, music and singing. The pictures will be CAREFULLY SELECTED and none but the VERY BEST comedy, drama, educational and spectacular subjects will be exhibited.” It has since been torn down. [State Archives of Florida]
Pearliemae: Fascinating finds you posted! I have hoped to see an interior picture of the Roxy but had given up that one existed. My brothers and I saw many a movie there. There was never much patronage which was probably due to the racial prejudice so prevalent at the time. Pls. contact me at .com, and we can chat further.
I agree, Jack. However, the marquee is the only prominent part of the old theatre that still exists, and I would like for it to stay. Besides, as Winter Garden continues to grow, it will need another downtown live theatre, and I’m hoping the Gem will be used. By the way, the projection booth is still there. It is currently being used for storage by the store located in the north half of the building.
I’m so pleased to find this thoroughly researched story on the Ritz Theatre. I lived in Fort Myers 1961-67 and visited the theatre once to see a live play named “Monique.” I remember the Ritz’s sign hung on First Street for many years after the movie theatre closed.
Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, FL, ushers. My uncle, Arthur Lipscomb, is the last one on the right with his hand over his chest. Date unknown, but he told me he was on the first team of ushers when the Florida opened.
I was in Bend yesterday and visited the Tower Theatre. What a beautiful renovation—an Art Deco masterpiece! Thank you for allowing me to walk around the interior. You folks have much to be proud of.
Very unfortunately, the Garden Theatre closed abruptly in early October, 2024. The management and board cited severe financial problems The building is owned by the City of Winter Garden, and the city manager has stated that the theatre will return. Stay tuned.
An additional photo of the Empress exterior has been posted.
New photo in photo section: In 1941, the Imperial Theatre on Forsyth Street opened in 1911, according to Florida Times-Union archives. “No money will be spared to make our theater the acme of perfection,” said general manager N.W. Redmond at the time. “Our aim is to entertain the public with the very best moving pictures, music and singing. The pictures will be CAREFULLY SELECTED and none but the VERY BEST comedy, drama, educational and spectacular subjects will be exhibited.” It has since been torn down. [State Archives of Florida]
Pearliemae: Fascinating finds you posted! I have hoped to see an interior picture of the Roxy but had given up that one existed. My brothers and I saw many a movie there. There was never much patronage which was probably due to the racial prejudice so prevalent at the time. Pls. contact me at .com, and we can chat further.
1954 Florida State Theatres ad for Orlando area posted to photo section.
1954 Orlando Florida State Theatres ad posted to photo section.
This is completely new information. Where on earth did yuu dig this up? Please share with the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation.
I agree, Jack. However, the marquee is the only prominent part of the old theatre that still exists, and I would like for it to stay. Besides, as Winter Garden continues to grow, it will need another downtown live theatre, and I’m hoping the Gem will be used. By the way, the projection booth is still there. It is currently being used for storage by the store located in the north half of the building.
I’m so pleased to find this thoroughly researched story on the Ritz Theatre. I lived in Fort Myers 1961-67 and visited the theatre once to see a live play named “Monique.” I remember the Ritz’s sign hung on First Street for many years after the movie theatre closed.
There are now three Baby Grand Theatres listed on Cinema Treasures. Such an unusual name.
I would love to see interior photos of this attractive theatre.
Sad.
I believe this is photo was actually taken in the projection booth of the Star-Lite Drive In Theatre, also in Winter Garden.
This is probably showing the removal of the vertical sign prior to moving it to a film/theatre museum. (1990s)
This is the Grand Theatre, located on Pine Street.
When the reopening was attempted, the Uma Theatre was under the management of MCM Theatres.
A sad history on this venue.
How horrifying to see all of the workmanship that created this beautiful theatre destroyed.
This theatre pretty much burned to the ground in the late 1960s or early 1970s.
Congratulations to all of you who participated in the reopening of this fine theatre. The pictures look great!
Computer graphics by Andy Crabtree of Crabtree Ink, Winter Garden, FL.
Projectionist at Garden Theatre, Winter Garden, FL. Name unknown.
Dixie Crystal Theatre, Clewiston, 1950
Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, FL, ushers. My uncle, Arthur Lipscomb, is the last one on the right with his hand over his chest. Date unknown, but he told me he was on the first team of ushers when the Florida opened.
I was in Bend yesterday and visited the Tower Theatre. What a beautiful renovation—an Art Deco masterpiece! Thank you for allowing me to walk around the interior. You folks have much to be proud of.