Dixie Theater
1224 Point Breeze Avenue,
Philadelphia,
PA
19146
1224 Point Breeze Avenue,
Philadelphia,
PA
19146
2 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: A.M. Ellis Theaters Co,
Functions: Church
Styles: Art Deco
Previous Names: New Dixie Theater
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Opened in 1912 as a nickelodeon named Dixie Theater. It was remodeled in 1930 in an Art Deco style and was renamed New Dixie Theater. It soon dropped the ‘New’ in the name. Between 1939-1950’s, I attended this theater for Saturday movies, two cartoons, short subjects and the coming attractions (I almost forgot the serials). Pretzels and candy were sold in the back of the theater on Saturdays. I remember on some Saturdays there was also live entertainment done by “hopefuls” of my era. By 1950 it was operated by the A.M. Ellis Theaters Co. chain.
I was told by my older cousin that he hated to take me to the cowboy shows because whenever someone was “shot”, I cried, so you can imagine how many tears I shed during the B-movies.
The Dixie Theater was located on Point Breeze Avenue between Federal Street and Wharton Street in South Philadelphia. It was still open in 1958, but was soon closed and converted into a church.
Contributed by
Richard Parker
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Recent comments (view all 4 comments)
Here is the church/theater as seen on Google maps:
http://tinyurl.com/mpu4dv
More maps? BORING!! As for the PAB site, we already know it’s the Dixie Theater or we wouldn’t be here. Who was the architect —– in what style was it designed —– who was the operator —– when did it close? Things like that genius.
According to Irvin R. Glazer’s “Philadelphia Theatres” book, this theatre opened in 1912, and closed in 1953
Closing date is incorrect. It was definitely in business from 1953 to 1958 and perhaps longer. It had a period of operation as an African American movie house.