South Town Theatre
1106 S. Grand Avenue East,
Springfield,
IL
62703
1106 S. Grand Avenue East,
Springfield,
IL
62703
4 people
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July 15th, 1937 grand opening ad as South Town in photo section.
February 7th, 1915 grand opening ad as Empress in photo section. It opened on the 8th.
I just edited and posted a number of photos of the Southtown Theater from a trip last year. Here’s one; there are more on my Flickr page if you’re interested.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stormdog42/11508097865/
Very nice job of restoring the marquee and front of building.
Here is an item from Boxoffice magazine, October 1947:
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.-The Springfield-Frisina Theater Co. has purchased the Southtown Theater building from the Springfield Marine Bank for $35,000. The Frisina Amusement Co. has been operating the Southtown, a 300-seater, in conjunction with Leo Burnstine for a number of years. Mrs. Harry Burnstine manages the theater.
marquee relighting 2007
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I would like to thank Lost Memory for posting the photos of the Southtown Theater. This is something I should have been doing but just don’t have the time, yet. The restoration is finished and it looks great. If you happen to visit Springfield, Illinois look us up and see the marquee lit up. It is on from dark to 1 AM everyday. If anyone is interested in owning this building email me.
Yes, it is too bad that it is no longer a theater, but it is nice to see that the owners of the stained glass business have chosen to restore the marquee and incorporate it into their business!
Many years ago I was in Springfield Illinois, but at the time I wasn’t interested in old theatres so missed seeing this one.
Restoration has begun!
Although slow due the cold weather, the top of the facade is finished. The marquee is in the process of being dismantled and removed to the sign shop for new sheet metal, wiring and neon. This should be complete by late spring of 07.
The black & white photo is an original from the architect, Carl T. Meyerâ€\s, portfolio when the façade was new in 1936.
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Hi,
Could someone tell me what progress has been made in the restoration of this theatre? I’m an independnet filmmaker and my documentary about theatre preservation, “Preserve Me a Seat,” is nearing completion. This summer, I will be taking the film “on tour” to show as a benefit for historic theaters/preservation groups in the midwest. I was curious to know what was happening with this project and if the theater/preservation group might be a possibility to fit in my tour. For more information about the movie, visit my website at: www.apartment101films.com
Thanks,
Jim Fields
JWalch: Congrats as I just read about this theatre on the Castle Theatre link.
Just stumbled on this site! GREAT!
I have good news about the Southtown. We are in the planning stages of completely restoring the marquee and the facade with all lighting-including neon. As soon as I am able to post an original photo of the marquee from 1936, from the architect’s portfolio, I will.
Jim Walch Owner since 1981
The only other vintage theater in Springfield still standing is the Esquire, and it in no way resembles its original look. The Southtown is a must-see if you are in the area.
Incredibly, in the entire city of Springfield, the Southtown seems to be the only vintage movie house that is still standing and identifiable as a former theater.