Springfield Movie Theaters?

[Julian]

Does anyone know if Springfield ever had movie theaters within the historic boundaries? it seems like every historic district has one and most are still around (5 points,san marco, murray hill, brentwood) would the brentwood one be considered as the springfield theater or was there one and it's now gone? I've never seen photos or heard anything about one existing.

[Gonzo]

Does anyone know if Springfield ever had movie theaters within the historic boundaries?

As Sephen said, there used to be one near 8th and Main. But, as in interesting side-note, did you know that at one time Jacksonville was home to dozens of film studios? Yup, Oliver Hardy of the famed Laurel & Hardy duo got his big break here and the first Technicolor film was made in Jacksonville.

[jason_contentdg]

^Yep, 9th and main was home to Klutho's studio lot.

[thelakelander]

Does anyone know if Springfield ever had movie theaters within the historic boundaries?

As Sephen said, there used to be one near 8th and Main. But, as in interesting side-note, did you know that at one time Jacksonville was home to dozens of film studios? Yup, Oliver Hardy of the famed Laurel & Hardy duo got his big break here and the first Technicolor film was made in Jacksonville.

Here is a link to an article on the city's silent film industry two years ago.
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2007-feb-distinguish-jacksonville-the-silent-film-industry

[thelakelander]

Does anyone know if Springfield ever had movie theaters within the historic boundaries? it seems like every historic district has one and most are still around (5 points,san marco, murray hill, brentwood) would the brentwood one be considered as the springfield theater or was there one and it's now gone? I've never seen photos or heard anything about one existing.

Yes, it was called the Capitol Theater and located adjacent to the Florence Court Building at 8th & Main.



Today, its the only surface parking lot on that block.

[02roadking]

That is so sad. Great pic though, first time I've seen that one.

[hanjin1]

I wish we could have our own theater. I would go go all the time.

[thelakelander]

Another reason for historic preservation.  If you keep the building, there's always a chance that it could be reused at some point.  The Five Points Theater is proof of this.  However, once its gone, its gone.

[avonjax]

I went to that theater just about every week as a kid. I can still remember what it looked like inside. I think there was a fire in the building and it had to be torn down. Does anyone know if that is correct?

[fsujax]

very cool picture.

[urbanlibertarian]

Here's another picture:

[strider]

I used to own a section or two of theater seats from that theater.  They were plywood backs with vinyl seats when I got them.  I refinished them and put fancy upholstery on them.  A local antigue dealer had them so I would imagine quite a few survive in the 'hood.  I thinkthe plywood dates them to the thirties?

[nvrenuf]

Funny how they are enticing people to come in with the "comfortable air cool inside". Such a beautiful building. A shame it is gone.

[cindy394]

having just found out that Springfield used to have its own theater I am trying to find out more but coming up with very little. Like who built it, was it opened as a vaudeville theater or just movies?  Why was it torn down? It is such a shame, it could have been the hub that helped revitalize Springfield. I would so have supported it while i was a resident there.  However, would love to see inside pix and more information.  If i find anything i will post the links.  One curious thing i did find so far is how so many towns had their own "Capitol Theater", how those opened before the mid twenties were originally for vaudeville acts and early movies were shown alongside acts and many towns have preserved or are in the process of renovating their "Capitol Theater".

[BackinJax05]

Does anyone know if Springfield ever had movie theaters within the historic boundaries? it seems like every historic district has one and most are still around (5 points,san marco, murray hill, brentwood) would the brentwood one be considered as the springfield theater or was there one and it's now gone? I've never seen photos or heard anything about one existing.

Yes, it was called the Capitol Theater and located adjacent to the Florence Court Building at 8th & Main.



Today, its the only surface parking lot on that block.

Great! ANOTHER local treasure destroyed for a parking lot.