Whoever suggested that time travel wasn’t possible has clearly never stepped foot inside a theater. There, patrons can be swept back to days gone by, seeing through the eyes of a Women Airforce Service Pilot or even brought to lands unknown like Treasure Island — where swashbuckling pirates run rampant + liquor is the currency.
We’re feeling nostalgic, so we’ve rounded up several historic theaters in Polk County that have given us those exact experiences and more.
This small downtown theatre once featured an orchestra pit + a full stage, with curved opera-style windows donning it. In its heyday from 1925 to the late 1950s, moviegoers could catch flicks like “The Shadow Behind the Mask” + “Jinx Money” and would wait in line for double features. Today, you’ll find Palace Pizza in its place.
During the silent film era, R.M. Marler opened Lakeland’s first movie house on Pine Street in 1907. But watching a movie wasn’t always a pleasant experience. The theater smelled of banana oil, which was used to repair the film when it broke in the projector. Fun fact: The name “Electric” was later changed to “Edison” in the silent film era.
At its opening in 1925, the theatre was originally named the Williamson Theatre and was designed for both live performances as well as motion pictures. After a remodel in 1932, it became a movie house and was renamed the Ritz Theatre. The theater closed in the mid-1980s; however, in 1989, it reopened its doors as Off Limits, a dance club. It’s changed hands between private + public ownership, but it now serves as a place for the community to gather for performances.
Built during the Golden Age, The Polk Theatre has served as a place for community interaction throughout the years. The theater began thriving in its early years, and on opening day, the matinee sold out within an hour of the box office’s opening. During the 1960s and 1970s, the theater faced the possibility of shutting down, but in 1982, it was purchased by Lakelanders who didn’t want to see it go. The nonprofit theatre continues to rely on grants, donations, and show revenue.
Believing vaudeville would one day make a grand return, owners Vera and Frank Thompson placed a wide stage, dressing rooms, and an orchestra pit in the theatre. In its early years, patrons could buy a ticket, a Coke, and popcorn, all for eight cents.
Although maybe not entirely historic, Palm Cinema III opened on April 18, 1986, tucked behind the Palm Center shopping complex. It was originally operated by Floyd Theatres but was last operated by Carmike Cinemas before it closed in October 2016. Now, it’s been converted into a new location for Southside Barbell.
Silver Moon Drive-In | Photo by @honey.allison
Photo by @honey.allison
Lakeland’s first drive-in theatre made its debut on April 14, 1948. At the time, admission was only 35 cents and included a short subject, a cartoon, and the latest newsreel. Its famous neon sign and marquee were added in 1952 when Floyd Theatres took over ownership. The theatre still operates successfully, showing first-run films.
The now defunct drive-in was opened by Bill Clem and Joe Filletta from 1953 to 1986. The All Children’s Hospital is now on this site, but you can look back on these photos of its heyday to reminisce.
The Lakeland Community Theatre was built in 1951 as “The Little Lakeland Theatre.” Its debut season was in 1986, featuring “Really Rosie” and “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” It started out as a children’s theatre associated with the city’s parks and recreation department, and it’s now a nonprofit organization with more than 800 volunteers each year.
Named “one of the best community theatres in America” by the Tampa Tribune, Theatre Winter Haven was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1970. Its stage has hosted stars including Tony Award-winning actor Karen “KO” Olivo, and actors Wayne Brady and Derek Seay. Now selling more than 30,000 tickets annually and hosting more than 120 performances per year, the theater has continued its success.
