Lincoln Theatre

The Lincoln was on Central Ave in a black section of Tampa above Nebraska Ave which separated it from the old Ybor City with 7th ave serving as downtown Ybor City. It was the only theater I saw movies in before leaving Tampa in 1968. It was on the same street as the public housing complex with the same name near Booker T Washington Jr High School. Since I lived off 22nd ave it was a bit of a risk to see movies there unless I knew somebody or laid low so as not to be identified as someone from another neighborhood. As kids we got into a Saturday matinee with either three RC cola bottle tops or 15 cents to see GODZILLA!

I remember going there as a kid with my Mom. We saw The T.A.M.I Show featuring The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Leslie Gore and many more. I will never forget how James Brown just tore the stage up but The Stones were coming on after James finished his set. But the whole audience just got up and left after James finished. The Lincoln was in a “segregated” area but I also saw a few Doris Day and Rock Hudson movies.

Thanks for the info Bob! I was finally able to find this one photo of a band concert on the Lincoln’s stage in 1944. Still searching for others.
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Thanks for posting Nick.

First ad appears in time clock listings dated July 6, 1958:
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First ad for X-rated films dated January 1969:
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