Louis: Thank you for entering your recent post in regards to fellow CT member, the late Jim Rankin. He continues to be very much missed among the members of CT and to those who knew him personally. I know I had the distinct pleasure of communicating with Jim about many theatres featured on Cinema Treasures. I often think about what life was like before I found Cinema Treasures and do wonder, at times, how I ever survived without it. I know many others probably feel the same way and miss Jim’s vast theatre knowledge and friendship.
Lost: If by chance you run across a photo showing the stage area from the back of the auditorium, let me know. I’d like to see an original photo perhaps showing the original organ….Robert Morton 3/12 organ. I wonder if this was the original or a replacement organ?
Unfortunately, the website doesn’t seem to be working left by CT member, “Chuck 1231”. If memory serves me right, I think he was the retired pilot who lived part of the year in Hawaii.
It’s not really a theatre as we know it…no seats other than folding chairs as it is a teen center for the youth of the community. The stage area is used for Christian concerts, etc. As I recall the ceiling chandeliers are original.
Irv: Yes, I am scheduled for a visit to FL this winter! I will be in Ocala late March to hopefully see and tour the art deco Marion Theatre. Do you have any current status information for that theatre? I was told by a friend who was in downtown Ocala last winter that the theatre was “boarded up” which has caused me to inquire about this theatre and my theatre visit to Ocala. I will send you a personal email with my mailing address as I would love to receive a copy of “Flickers, Fires and Flames”. Thank you so much!
Brian: I couldn’t reach you via email on your CT profile page nor on the Marion Theatre website so decided to address you via CT. Could you tell me the current status of the theatre? I plan to be in Ocala in late March and would like a tour, if possible. Thank you. If I don’t read a post from you by the weekend, I will call the theatre number given on the website.
I thought I heard that he would not be present at the Golden Globes tonight due to his family tragedy. I see on your profile page that you are in NJ and John grew up in NJ. Do you know him personally?
Justin: Do you think John and Kelly will continue their support of the Marion? And again, does anyone know the current status of this theatre’s restoration/renovation. Is the theatre open? I have read this theatre originally had 1,000 seats and now it has 400 so that would be a renovation, not a restoration of a fine example of the art deco era.
Lost: As you know I have toured this theatre and Dr. Snyder played the theatre organ during my visit to Knoxville in Dec. ‘07.
Louis: Thank you for entering your recent post in regards to fellow CT member, the late Jim Rankin. He continues to be very much missed among the members of CT and to those who knew him personally. I know I had the distinct pleasure of communicating with Jim about many theatres featured on Cinema Treasures. I often think about what life was like before I found Cinema Treasures and do wonder, at times, how I ever survived without it. I know many others probably feel the same way and miss Jim’s vast theatre knowledge and friendship.
My March trip to FL will not only include the Marion in Ocala, but the Garden in Winter Garden and the Polk in Lakeland.
Yes, I noticed the wonderful interior photos and the following quote:
“The beautiful Polk Theatre in downtown Lakeland, Florida is one of only two original atmospheric theatres left in the state.”
Lost: Well, you continue to amaze me with your finds on my behalf so many times.
Lost: On the polktheatre.org site there was an Elvis/history of the theatre link with more photos, but none of the organ nor information about it.
Lost: If by chance you run across a photo showing the stage area from the back of the auditorium, let me know. I’d like to see an original photo perhaps showing the original organ….Robert Morton 3/12 organ. I wonder if this was the original or a replacement organ?
Lost: That “shot from the stage” is unbelievable! I may have to now include this theatre while in Florida!
Lost: That link worked! Thanks….again!!! It is an atmospheric!
Lost: The ones you posted on Oct. 11, 2006 are still available, but none of the photos show the atmospheric aspect.
Unfortunately, the website doesn’t seem to be working left by CT member, “Chuck 1231”. If memory serves me right, I think he was the retired pilot who lived part of the year in Hawaii.
Jack Coursey: If you could contact me to discuss this former theatre in West Palm Beach FL, my email is Please title your email…Grand/WPB. Thanks.
And still hoping to see a photo of this theatre that once stood on Rosemary Avenue….home to City Place in WPB now!
Any interior photos of this atmospheric?
And amazing to read that Elvis performed at this theatre in the 50’s and that the theatre has an organ!
Lost: Very nice theatre photos and one that I hope to visit in late March along with the Garden in Winter Garden and the Marion in Ocala.
Irv: I enjoyed our theatre phone chat and look forward to seeing the beautifully restored Garden Theatre in March.
Lost: I wish the powers to be in Auburn would get their act together and restore this exceptional art deco theatre!
It’s not really a theatre as we know it…no seats other than folding chairs as it is a teen center for the youth of the community. The stage area is used for Christian concerts, etc. As I recall the ceiling chandeliers are original.
Lost: This is my husband’s hometown in PA.
Irv: Yes, I am scheduled for a visit to FL this winter! I will be in Ocala late March to hopefully see and tour the art deco Marion Theatre. Do you have any current status information for that theatre? I was told by a friend who was in downtown Ocala last winter that the theatre was “boarded up” which has caused me to inquire about this theatre and my theatre visit to Ocala. I will send you a personal email with my mailing address as I would love to receive a copy of “Flickers, Fires and Flames”. Thank you so much!
Why is it that when you click on the official website the Garden Theatre comes up and nothing with the word….Gem?
Brian: I couldn’t reach you via email on your CT profile page nor on the Marion Theatre website so decided to address you via CT. Could you tell me the current status of the theatre? I plan to be in Ocala in late March and would like a tour, if possible. Thank you. If I don’t read a post from you by the weekend, I will call the theatre number given on the website.
I thought I heard that he would not be present at the Golden Globes tonight due to his family tragedy. I see on your profile page that you are in NJ and John grew up in NJ. Do you know him personally?
Justin: Do you think John and Kelly will continue their support of the Marion? And again, does anyone know the current status of this theatre’s restoration/renovation. Is the theatre open? I have read this theatre originally had 1,000 seats and now it has 400 so that would be a renovation, not a restoration of a fine example of the art deco era.