A reader emailed me this morning, asking if I’d carried out much research on historic theaters in Kentucky. Although there is always more research I yearn to conduct on the myriad thousand themes and buildings dancing about in my head, I have written a few blog posts (nine) about historic movie palaces and drive-in movie theaters in the Commonwealth. For the convenience of anyone who is interested in old theaters, I’ve included links to all of my published blog posts below.
The geographic distribution of my “Movie Magic” posts as of October 3, 2023.
Drive-in movie theaters are rapidly disappearing from the Kentucky landscape. There are two active drive-ins that I’ve written about, in Mt. Sterling and Paris, Kentucky. The Winchester drive-in has sadly closed.
The concrete screen of the Judy Drive-In, Mt. Sterling, Montgomery County, Kentucky, as seen from Route 11.
The Moonlite Drive-In in Owsley County (photograph below) operated from 1949 to 2012, and looks like it could easily reopen at any time.
Looking toward the screen and the road. Moonlite Drive-In, Booneville, Kentucky.
Many company towns in Eastern Kentucky had movie theaters in the early 20th century. The Pastime Theater in Vicco, in Hazard County, is the only stone movie theater I’ve documented.
The movie theater in Drift, Kentucky, is the largest structure still standing in that former coal company town.
The original ticket counter for the theater in Drift, Kentucky. and double entry doors to either side.
“Pastime” was a popular and appropriate name for movie theaters in the early 20th century. The middle class was growing; more people had disposable income and the leisure time to watch a movie. The New Pastime Theater in Falmouth, Kentucky, is an Art Moderne building clad in yellow tile blocks.
The New Pastime Theater in Falmouth, Kentucky.
Another historic small town theater is the Lane Theatre in Williamsburg, Kentucky. It has a bold and distinctive facade, and it looks as though a local group is still working toward a restoration.
The Main Street facade of the Lane.
The circa 1927 Columbia Theatre in Paducah, Kentucky, is breathtaking. Every time I am in Paducah, I walk by and sigh with delight.
The facade of the Columbia, fall 2021.
I wrote about the Princess Theatre in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, about two weeks ago. Its relatively pared-down facade might strike some as too severe, but I like it.
Detail of the facade of the Princess Theatre.
I’ve saved my favorite for last: the Kentucky Theatre on Main Street in Lexington, Kentucky. I may not have quite the long association with it as my spouse can claim (my formative pre-teen years were spent at the late, great Studio Stage) but that doesn’t mean I love it any less.
The facade of the circa 1922 Kentucky Theatre in Lexington, Kentucky.
It is a thriving and busy movie theater still, and if you live in Lexington, you can support the Kentucky by becoming a member, and you can watch movies in a fabulous space, complete with a drink, popcorn, and Sno-Caps.
So go catch a show, or simply enjoy this collection of historic theaters across Kentucky.
I enjoyed the reminder about the great days and nights I spent in the local movie theaters. Some of the theatre facades were fantastic.
One such is still standing in Ashland which is converted to multi production and uses. The Paramount in Ashland.
VOGUE?
Luvul
Yep, that’s an awesome one! I’ve just never taken any photos of it.
👏👏👏👏
Thanks for another interesting article. I am proud of my adopted hometown, Lexington for saving its theater. The town where I was born recently tore down a comparable theater to their everlasting shame.
It is wonderful seeing these old movie theaters, Janie-Rice! I have seen the Columbia in Paducah and it is glorious on the outside. I hope they can get the inside restored and functioning again soon. And thank you for the shout-out about the Kentucky Theatre in Lexington!
The drive-in at Calvert City, in Marshall County, reopened this year under new ownership.
Sad that we don’t have an historic theatre in Louisville. I hope someone will open one some day. Thanks for the fascinating reads!
There is the Palace downtown – which is fabulous! And there used to be the Vogue, but it’s been remuddled beyond recognition.