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Astor Theatre
306 E. Main Street,
Durham,
NC
27701
306 E. Main Street,
Durham,
NC
27701
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: B & B Theatres, Blumenthal Circuit
Previous Names: Russell Theatre, State Theatre
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Blumenthal Theatres opened the Astor Theatre in 1950 in the downtown area of Durham. Seating was listed at 260 so a small theatre by all means. Blumenthal operated it until 1955 and then B&B Theatres took over operations until its closing.
The Astor Theatre closed in 1975 and has since been demolished. Any further information on the Astor Theatre would be appreciated.
Contributed by
Chuck
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Recent comments (view all 3 comments)
The wonderful blog, Endangered Durham, lists the Astor at 306 E Main Street, which is on the SE corner of Main and Roxboro. Read the full blog entry, complete with photos, here.
The address is confirmed by the City Directories. The space was formely occupied by the State, Russell, and New Theatres (this latter one listed in 1935).
This theater closed some time in the late 50s or early 60s and the building was used as a pentecostal church until some time in the late 90s.
I’m not sure when the building was demolished. I think the building was still there in 2005.
Here’s what I found about this theatre
September 25th, 1936 opened as Russel (one L only)
February 6th, 1937 renamed State
July 24th, 1942 reopened as Ellis by Blumental Circuit
September 22nd, 1946 reopened as Astor
1950-1955 owner: Blumenthal Circuit
1960-1975 owner: B & B Theatre Corp.
Grand opening ads posted.