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.
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.