Palms Theater
825 Broadway,
Dunedin,
FL
34698
825 Broadway,
Dunedin,
FL
34698
1 person
favorited this theater
The Palms Theater opened on December 15, 1948 and was Dunedin’s only theater for its entire existence. It was located on Broadway, to the north of Main Street. It was closed on October 2, 1962 with Robert Preston in “The Music Man”.
A 1963 newspaper article mentions a decrepit theater as one of downtown Dunedin’s eyesores. A neighboring bank bought the theater, and it was demolished shortly thereafter.
Contributed by
Andy
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Recent comments (view all 8 comments)
I haven’t been down to Dunedin for a few years now, but all the times I’ve driven on Broadway and never knew a theater had once been there. Can’t recall a bank being there, what is it’s name?
Not sure. Since the article was from 1963, it is entirely possible (and probably likely) that the bank is gone as well.
Boxoffice of January 1, 1949, said that the Palms Theatre had opened recently. It had been built for Clayton Bennett, and was being operated by his son Gordon. The Palms was sold to Edward Eckert in 1951, as reported in various issues of Boxoffice in June and July that year.
Eckert was still operating the house at least as late as 1962, when he posed for a photo (upper right, with the marquee of the Palms in the background) that appeared in Boxoffice of March 5. The caption mistakenly dates Eckert’s purchase of the Palms to 1949.
The Palms Theater was owned and operated by my father, Edward H. Eckert who was very active in various community activities and served as both a City Commissioner and Mayor. He sold the theater to the First National Bank of Dunedin in 1962. It was later demolished. The Sun Trust Bank now sits on the property on Broadway Blvd. one block north of Main St. The last movie shown was The Music Man with Robert Preston.
Nice art moderne rounded look and classy marquee.
I just stumbled upon this site, so I’m a bit late to the party. My grandfather was Clayton Bennett, who originally purchased this property. My father was Gordon Bennett who operated it. I appreciate the information that was provided here, and would welcome any additional commentary.
I lived in Dunedin in 1956 & 1957. If I can remember well, the First National Bank of Dunedin stood where the Chamber of Commerce stands now. My Brother and I went to the Palms theater for a Halloween show in 1956 we both really enjoyed it.
The actual opening date is December 15, 1948. It was originally owned by Clayton Bennett and managed by his son Gordon Bennett. The Palms Theatre closed on October 2, 1962 with “The Music Man”.