Imperial Theatre
139 E. Solomon Street,
Griffin,
GA
30223
139 E. Solomon Street,
Griffin,
GA
30223
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thanks for the pictures.
Went to the Imperial a few times in the 60s' but spent most of my Saturdays at the REX. Probably due to the fact my grandparents lived on 14th street and my Uncle, Wesley Brannon, was the manager of the REX for a while in the late 50s early 60s.
INTERESTING PHOTO JACK COURSEY.
For a historical article on the Imperial go to the Atlanta Chapter ATOS website and go to the newsletter section and click on the October 2009 newsletter.
As seen from above, right in the center of the view….
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First time using Bing, not to bad…..
The building that housed the Rex Theatre is still standing, but is in bad shape. A new roof replaced the old flat type roof several years back.
My Great-Grandfathr, Richmond Emmett Noel, owned and built the Rex Theatre in 1928. He had two houses he owned, that faced Experiment Street, moved back to face N 14th Street behind the theatre. The Rex opened for business in late 1928 or early 1929. I remember watching many westerns, horror flicks and disney movies at the Rex while growing up in the 1960’s. It had a nice lobby with restrooms and concessions. Stairs led up to the projector room. I thinki the old wooden chairs were upgraded with cushioned chairs. Ownership passed to his wife, Katie Odessa Wesley, upon his death in 1938. It would pass on to their son, James Wesley Noel, in 1942. He would sell the theatre several years later. I think it closed in the late 1970’s or early 1980’s.
Here are a couple of recent photos of what remains of the former Imperial Theatre. After years of neglect, the roof collapsed sometime between 1975 and 1985. Although some valiant efforts were made to restore the theatre, it had deteriorated so badly that the structure had to be razed. Only a portion of the façade remains.