Ritz Theatre
912 East Avenue,
Wellington,
TX
79095
912 East Avenue,
Wellington,
TX
79095
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Looking for a photo of the Bronco Drive-Inn Theatre that was in the same town as the Ritz Theatre, It was in Wellington,Texas also.
Just saw Jimmy Vaughn there last night and what a fabulous job Wellington has done on “The Ritz”.
Its just as nice on the inside as out.
From 2010 an image of the Wellington Ritz Sign and neon along with a view of the ticket booth and entrance.
A photo tour of the Ritz in Wellington from 2009, Enter Here.
Thanks for linking to my photo. Yes, this was taken about the time I began working with the hometown folks to do something about the theater. There is a sad beauty in an image like that. With the restoration, we lost some of the grit that makes these places so interesting, but I figure there are plenty more ruins to look at in small towns across the country.
The town has really gotten behind the theater. We all have enjoyed taking our kids to movies when we’re visiting for holidays, and the live shows have been well attended with many folks coming from other towns. The dressing rooms are second to none, and the auditorium itself is top notch. I hope you can see the interior – please ask Joe Ponder for a tour when you’re in town next time.
My dad and his brother and sister used to go to The Ritz every Saturday back in the early 30’s when they lived in Wellington. The first time I saw it was in 1989 when I was back for a Groves family reunion. It was so sad to see the building that was in such disaray.
Im so glad that the theatre has re-opened and I cant wait to get a chance to go back there and see it again!!!!
The Ritz opened its doors to the public Friday, Aug. 10 with a showing of “Rush Hour 3”. This is the first movie in the Ritz in more than 25 years. It’s been an amazing transformation from an almost forgotten ruin to just about everyone’s new favorite place to be.
All contracts have been awarded and major reconstruction is now under way. A revised plan has taken in a neighboring building where a new concession area will be housed, along with an event space and dressing rooms. The balcony and stage have been rebuilt and a new floor has been poured. Work should be completed in the spring of 2007. Historic Wellington is seeking startup funding from outside grants, but most of the capital expense (at least $2.5 million) is coming from the Zephyr Foundation based in Wellington. Funds may be contributed to Historic Wellington, Inc., 1600 Haskell St., Wellington, TX 79095.
how is work coming along?
The Wellington Economic Development Corp. and Historic Wellington have hired Killis Almond & Associates, Inc. of San Antonio to complete this project. Almond has been involved in several theater restorations around the country, and has an extensive preservation resume. It has taken us almost four years to get this off the ground. Since the project began, we have stabilized the building, cleaned it, replaced the roof and have restored most of the facade (including a restoration of the vintage neon sign and marquee). Much of this work has been chronicled in the Cinema Treasures restorations/renovations news site. It is hoped most of the remaining work can be finished by the fall of 2006.
Sorry about that – we need to do some updating. You can direct any inquiries directly to me, Wes Reeves, at
wesr: I tried sending an email to the address given on the site you provided and it was undeliverable.
I’d say yes but I can’t commit to anyone right now. I have a friend here in Amarillo who designed the poster that’s on our site, and I would like to give him first crack at it. I’ve just been too busy with a paying job, a family (a good thing)and all the hassles of trying to manage this theater restoration from a distance of 100 miles that I can’t seem to get things together. I appreciate the offer – keep in touch.
Wes can I help you guys out with a complete website?
Sorry you missed us, Seth. Maybe you can make the trip again, and if you do, let me know so I can show you where to find the beauty around here. Our looks are deceiving – we throw in the Seminoles and the Andrews to scare folks away so they don’t crowd us. There are some great little towns around here, and in between there are some terrific drives. Look for more news on the Ritz – we just got the windows in, the roof finished, and on Aug. 6 we’re going to light up our restored blade sign. We’ve got money and things are looking great.
Argh. I just took a huge road trip (2,630 miles) from San Antonio through the Panhandle, and Wellington is one of the very few county seats I skipped. Considering how disappointing Andrews, Seminole, etc. were, I feel especially dumb. I will probably never have another chance to go back. I was trying to be smug in the knowledge that I can’t have missed much, but…
Let me know if you need help, I am a web developer.
Presently we have only a domain name registered at www.historicwellington.org A full-fledged site is in the works.
Is there any website that they have erected?