South Town Theatre

1106 S. Grand Avenue East,
Springfield, IL 62703

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Showing 15 comments

rivest266
rivest266 on July 27, 2015 at 11:54 am

July 15th, 1937 grand opening ad as South Town in photo section.

rivest266
rivest266 on July 27, 2015 at 8:38 am

February 7th, 1915 grand opening ad as Empress in photo section. It opened on the 8th.

stormdog
stormdog on December 22, 2013 at 8:45 pm

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/

TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on March 2, 2010 at 2:15 pm

Very nice job of restoring the marquee and front of building.

kencmcintyre
kencmcintyre on December 30, 2008 at 6:49 pm

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.

HowardBHaas
HowardBHaas on January 9, 2008 at 8:15 am

marquee relighting 2007
View link

JimWalch
JimWalch on January 8, 2008 at 2:10 pm

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.

Patsy
Patsy on June 27, 2007 at 11:09 am

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!

Patsy
Patsy on June 27, 2007 at 10:53 am

Many years ago I was in Springfield Illinois, but at the time I wasn’t interested in old theatres so missed seeing this one.

jwomaha
jwomaha on March 26, 2006 at 7:58 am

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

Patsy
Patsy on February 9, 2006 at 4:32 pm

JWalch: Congrats as I just read about this theatre on the Castle Theatre link.

JimWalch
JimWalch on October 5, 2005 at 5:33 pm

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

Norman Plant
Norman Plant on May 3, 2005 at 6:33 pm

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.

DSnow
DSnow on March 27, 2005 at 5:41 pm

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.