The Texan was Arlington’s premiere movie theater in the 1940’s until closing in 1951. It was located in the 100 block of West Main St, mid block on the south side of the street, between Arlington City Hall anf Arlington State Bank. Directly adjacent was the tiny Rockefeller burger chain, and the McIntosh Restaurant. The theater was operated by the Interstate Chain along with the Aggie Theater on East Main. After closure it became the First National Bank, and the balcony was walled off and became a community room, home to the city’s only full size grand piano. In the 1960’s it became the new Arlington Public Library. Although the floors were leveled, the ceiling and walls retained the shape of the movie theater. The library moved in 1972, and the building was demolished in the late 1970’s for the new Arlington City Hall.
The Aggie Theater was located at 200 East Main St. During the 1940’s up until its closure around 1951, it was operated by the Interstate chain, which also operated the larger Texan Theater on West Main St, under the same manager. The theater was named for the mascot of North Texas Agricultural College (now UT Arlington). After its closure as a theater, it was used as an ice storage facility. The building was demolished in the 1970’s for the construction of the First National Bank Tower. The parking garage for that facility covers the location of the old Aggie. I have never seen a picture of the Aggie, but I remember it as a white painted brick and stucco structure.
The Texan was Arlington’s premiere movie theater in the 1940’s until closing in 1951. It was located in the 100 block of West Main St, mid block on the south side of the street, between Arlington City Hall anf Arlington State Bank. Directly adjacent was the tiny Rockefeller burger chain, and the McIntosh Restaurant. The theater was operated by the Interstate Chain along with the Aggie Theater on East Main. After closure it became the First National Bank, and the balcony was walled off and became a community room, home to the city’s only full size grand piano. In the 1960’s it became the new Arlington Public Library. Although the floors were leveled, the ceiling and walls retained the shape of the movie theater. The library moved in 1972, and the building was demolished in the late 1970’s for the new Arlington City Hall.
The Aggie Theater was located at 200 East Main St. During the 1940’s up until its closure around 1951, it was operated by the Interstate chain, which also operated the larger Texan Theater on West Main St, under the same manager. The theater was named for the mascot of North Texas Agricultural College (now UT Arlington). After its closure as a theater, it was used as an ice storage facility. The building was demolished in the 1970’s for the construction of the First National Bank Tower. The parking garage for that facility covers the location of the old Aggie. I have never seen a picture of the Aggie, but I remember it as a white painted brick and stucco structure.