The Virginian, prior to it becoming The Ritz

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The Sarasota Times reported on March 23, 1916, that “The Virginian and its owner have left nothing undone that would add to the convenience or attractiveness of the interior or to the safety of the audience.”

The Virginian opened on Monday night, April 10, 1916, as a “moving picture theatre” with its' first movie show. The public was invited to attend free of charge.

The Virginian changed names in the early 1920s, becoming the Sarasota Theater. It later became known as the Ritz Theatre in the 1930s and continued to operate until it closed in the mid 1960s.

SOURCE: http://www.sarasotahistoryalive.com/history/articles/the-virginian-filled-arts-niche-for-sarasota/