Ritz Theatre

The Ritz Theatre at 103 Lake St. was operated by the Schine Theatre Circuit. It was purchased by E. Coston Cordery in 1957 who operated the theater for the Schines from 1942 to 1957. The African American theatre at Lake and Main St. ran into a spate of fires under independent ownership. A fire at a neighboring nightclub caused smoke damage to the Ritz on April 24, 1958; the next fire damaged its marquee and was on April 4, 1960.

On February 16, 1963, a spectacular fire severely damaged destroyed the Blue Moon Nightclub and Sport Restaurant, Polan’s Five and Dime Store and severely damaged the Ritz. The Salisbury fire boat was implemented and looked to have saved the Ritz. According to reports, the fire rekindled in the seating area and the theatre was devastated. The theater was about ready to open and no injuries were reported at the theater. But February 15, 1963 was the Ritz’s final day of operation.