Retro Roadmap Writeup
Built in 1927 and reopened in 2003 the Jefferson Theatre has been through some rough times. But now, as part of the Beaumont Civic Center Complex, things are movin' on up for this classic theater.
(If you want to move on up at the Jefferson, I reckon you could use those stairs on the left, though it might take a while)
If you've read the posts on many of these architectural gems from the golden age of movies, you'll know the all too familiar pattern of Heyday, Plateau, Decline, Vacancy, Threat of the Wrecking Ball and ultimate Rebirth, and the Jefferson is no exception.Unfortunately the interior has been changed -sometimes with the "help" of folks who rented the theatre for their own uses!
From The Beaumont Civic Center Website:
An assortment of owners left their mark on the theater, including the MOST HIDEOUS paint, which destroyed the beautiful rich Mediterranean colors that originally adorned the theater walls. And worse, a church rented the theater and in a moment of fiery passion destroyed all the original statuary.
HORRORS! At least they didn't burn the place down. Here's a link to some interior photos of the Jefferson, from their Wikipedia page.
While originally built as a movie house, it is now a cultural center with the ability to seat over 1400 and hosting a variety of events. And it is also one of the few theatres in the country containing its original theatre organ - a Morton, for those of you in the know about theatre organs.
And who can resist the call of this fabulous blade-shaped porcelain enamel vintage movie theatre sign?
Can't you just see the lights chasing each other up and down this 3 story tall beacon, and flashing around the Jefferson Amusement logo? Must be a sight!
Hooray for one more classic downtown movie theater saved from the wrecking ball!
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thevintagetraveler
June 12, 2011 at 8:08 amLove it!
This is probably not the case in this theater, as the outside stairs look newer, but many old theaters have an outside stairway to the balcony, dating back to the days of segregation. It was the Black entrance, and they were allowed to sit only in the balcony. Perhaps this was only in certain parts of the country??
I can remember asking my mom about the old, unused stairs on the side of our local Colonial Theater, and she gave that explanation, to which I replied that was not fair as the balcony was the best place to sit. She had to explain the true implication of the dual entrance.
Mod Betty / RetroRoadmap.com
June 12, 2011 at 8:18 amInteresting – that use of the separate outdoor stairway never occurred to me but I’ guess it’s distinctly possible that was what it was used for. I was thinking it was a fire exit! Interesting how some things like segregation can be lost to time, thankfully.
John B
June 19, 2011 at 9:34 pmAs a child I sat through many movies at the Jefferson. It really was beautiful inside and it’s sad that it was destroyed.