The Gem has been divided into two separate rental properties, Patsy. One one side is West Orange Photo and Digital Services. The other half is a private residence. The former theatre is easy to spot since the art deco marquee still is installed, and probably will be there forever since it’s built of concrete.
The organ donated is a large Conn electronic theatre organ. While we do love pipe organs, we really don’t have room for the installation of one, and the upkeep on a genuine piper would be more than we could possibly afford. So, having an electronic organ is an excellent alternative.
Thanks for your nice comment, Patsy. However, Cypress Gardens is in Winter Haven—about 50 miles or so south of us. Winter Garden is 14 miles west of Orlando, and is an up and coming city, growing rapidly. We still need to raise approximately $600,000 to complete the Garden Theatre’s renovation. I’m sure we will.
This theatre was actually a secondary theatre to the Martin, Bainbridge’s main movie house. Ritz Theatre is still painted on the back of the building that housed that theatre. The Martin Theatre was demolished in the 1970s. The Martin’s site is where the bank building is currently located.
The Paradise Theatre was actually Orchestra Hall, after the Detroit Symphony Orchestra deserted it. A Roman Catholic church rented it for a long period of time after the theatre closed. The DSO made recordings for Mercury in the building during the 1950s and 1960s. Today it has been beautifully restored and is Orchestra Hall once again. The orchestra members had much to do with fundraising to save the hall.
The Brentwood closed in 1959 or 1960. It was operated by Florida State Theatres. An inspection of the inside of the building today will reveal the projection booth (with the port holes filled in) and the manager’s office. The marquee and poster frames are remnants of the old theatre.
My parents grew up in Jacksonville during the teens and 20s of the 1900s. They thought of the Casino as being a lower class theatre, and said it had the nickname of “The Fishhouse.” I remember the house being open, and noted that it always seemed to play third or fourth run double bills. I also saw the theatre’s facade a number of times. From the looks of the neighborhood and the theatre itself, I thought I would be a bit afraid to attend a performance there.
Good luck in restoring the Fox. I’m involved in the restoration of the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, Florida. We Florida folks should stick together on theatre restoration issues.
Milledgeville was Oliver Hardy’s hometown. In fact, his attempt to save his brother from drowning in a river there failed, and his whole life was affected by this incident. Wouldn’t it be great if a tribute to Ollie could be accomplished in connection with restoring this theatre!
The site seems to be wonderfully improved. Response is much faster. I enjoy the fine work you do so much. I have learned a lot by researching theatres on this site. Thank you.
I erred when I reported the Garden had been a warehouse for over 60 years. It was over 40 years. This atmospheric theatre was gutted after closing in 1963, so practically the whole theatre will have to be recreated. Only the balcony, projection booth and manager’s office remain from the old days. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation has raised extensive funds to accomplish the project. An additional building will be constructed to the rear of the stage to house dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, restrooms, etc. for the performers. Winter Garden’s downtown is experiencing a renaissance, and the Garden Theatre will become the crown jewel in this redevelopment.
During rides through DeLand when I was a child during the 1940s and 50s, I would always glance down the street (from US 17) to see the Dreka. It had a marquee made of glass; the only one I’ve ever seen. It appeared to be a secondary theatre (to the Athens).
Actually, the building the Florida Theatre was in still stands. The Florida Education Association converted the theatre to an office building at least a decade or more ago. For a brief period, it was also the Florida “Circus”, utilizing acts from FSU’s circus, and it later also had a stint as a second run movie house.
I certainly hope they have Ballantyne projectors in the booth!
The Gem has been divided into two separate rental properties, Patsy. One one side is West Orange Photo and Digital Services. The other half is a private residence. The former theatre is easy to spot since the art deco marquee still is installed, and probably will be there forever since it’s built of concrete.
The organ donated is a large Conn electronic theatre organ. While we do love pipe organs, we really don’t have room for the installation of one, and the upkeep on a genuine piper would be more than we could possibly afford. So, having an electronic organ is an excellent alternative.
Thanks for your nice comment, Patsy. However, Cypress Gardens is in Winter Haven—about 50 miles or so south of us. Winter Garden is 14 miles west of Orlando, and is an up and coming city, growing rapidly. We still need to raise approximately $600,000 to complete the Garden Theatre’s renovation. I’m sure we will.
While visiting Caliente several years ago, I noted that the theatre was being prepared for hosting a “Halloween Spook Night.”
I submitted the interior plan to CT but they chose not to use it. If you will send me your email address, I will send one to you.
Winter Garden is 14 miles west of Orlando, Fla.
This theatre was actually a secondary theatre to the Martin, Bainbridge’s main movie house. Ritz Theatre is still painted on the back of the building that housed that theatre. The Martin Theatre was demolished in the 1970s. The Martin’s site is where the bank building is currently located.
The Paradise Theatre was actually Orchestra Hall, after the Detroit Symphony Orchestra deserted it. A Roman Catholic church rented it for a long period of time after the theatre closed. The DSO made recordings for Mercury in the building during the 1950s and 1960s. Today it has been beautifully restored and is Orchestra Hall once again. The orchestra members had much to do with fundraising to save the hall.
The Brentwood closed in 1959 or 1960. It was operated by Florida State Theatres. An inspection of the inside of the building today will reveal the projection booth (with the port holes filled in) and the manager’s office. The marquee and poster frames are remnants of the old theatre.
This theatre was home to the “Fairfax Players” for many years after it closed as a movie house.
My parents grew up in Jacksonville during the teens and 20s of the 1900s. They thought of the Casino as being a lower class theatre, and said it had the nickname of “The Fishhouse.” I remember the house being open, and noted that it always seemed to play third or fourth run double bills. I also saw the theatre’s facade a number of times. From the looks of the neighborhood and the theatre itself, I thought I would be a bit afraid to attend a performance there.
This theatre is actually in Fort Gaines, Georgia. There is no Fort Gaines, Florida.
The website listed by Ken MC doesn’t come up when I click on the URL. I’d surely like to see if the pic he references is of Orlando’s Rialto Theatre.
Thank you, Patsy. We appreciate your support!
Good luck in restoring the Fox. I’m involved in the restoration of the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, Florida. We Florida folks should stick together on theatre restoration issues.
Applications are currently being solicited for general manager of the Garden Theatre. See www.wghf.org for details.
Milledgeville was Oliver Hardy’s hometown. In fact, his attempt to save his brother from drowning in a river there failed, and his whole life was affected by this incident. Wouldn’t it be great if a tribute to Ollie could be accomplished in connection with restoring this theatre!
The site seems to be wonderfully improved. Response is much faster. I enjoy the fine work you do so much. I have learned a lot by researching theatres on this site. Thank you.
Construction has begun on the renovation of this theatre.
Per a recent article in the ORLANDO SENTINEL, the Cameo opened on Christmas day, 1940. The opening feature was FOUR MOTHERS.
I erred when I reported the Garden had been a warehouse for over 60 years. It was over 40 years. This atmospheric theatre was gutted after closing in 1963, so practically the whole theatre will have to be recreated. Only the balcony, projection booth and manager’s office remain from the old days. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation has raised extensive funds to accomplish the project. An additional building will be constructed to the rear of the stage to house dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, restrooms, etc. for the performers. Winter Garden’s downtown is experiencing a renaissance, and the Garden Theatre will become the crown jewel in this redevelopment.
Is this theatre open yet?
During rides through DeLand when I was a child during the 1940s and 50s, I would always glance down the street (from US 17) to see the Dreka. It had a marquee made of glass; the only one I’ve ever seen. It appeared to be a secondary theatre (to the Athens).
Actually, the building the Florida Theatre was in still stands. The Florida Education Association converted the theatre to an office building at least a decade or more ago. For a brief period, it was also the Florida “Circus”, utilizing acts from FSU’s circus, and it later also had a stint as a second run movie house.