Lawrence Theatre
1605 J Street,
Bedford,
IN
47421
1605 J Street,
Bedford,
IN
47421
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Publix, Theatrical Managers Inc., Y. & W. Management Corp.
Functions: Retail
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The Lawrence Theatre was opened by McCarrell’s Amusements on December 20, 1920 with Lon Chaney in “The Penalty”. On January 1, 1930 it was taken over by Publix, but it remained a silent movie theatre and became a special events venue. It was taken back by McCarrell’s Amusements in 1936 and was equipped to screen sound movies which continued until it closed in early-1952. It then hosted special events and use as a church. It was closed in 1959.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 3 comments)
Opened in 1921, closed in 1932, reopened in 1937 as a special events theater, closed in 1959.
The Lawrence launched on December 20, 1920 with Lon Chaney in “The Penalty.” Publix Theatres took on the venue from McCarrell’s Amusements effective January 1, 1930. Publix did not convert the theater to sound or - apparently - have any intentions to operated the venue as a movie house and it becomes a live event theater.
McCarrell established Theatrical Managers Inc. taking back the theater in 1935. It’s equipped with sound and remains a movie house until early 1952. It is used for sporadic live events and church services until being remodeled for other purposes in 1959.
The Lawrence must have been the theater labeled “Motion Pictures” at 1605 J Street on the 1922 Sanborn map of Bedford. The map shows a rather shallow balcony and no stage. Current Google Street view (here) shows an interesting old brick building with a crenelated second floor parapet wall. The three-bay façade with a taller center section still has a fairly theatrical appearance, even though there is no marquee. It looks to be in good condition, at least on the exterior, and is currently occupied by a business called Crane’s Leather and Shoe Store.