Littleton in Grafton County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)
Jax Jr. Cinemas
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 7, 2017
1. Jax Jr. Cinemas Marker
The Jax Jr. had two distinguished predecessors at this location. The first was the Premier Theater which John B. “Jack” Eames, “The Dean of New England Motion Picture Exhibitors,” purchased in 1920. It was destroyed by fire in 1924. Jack rebuilt the block and a new 800-seat Premier Theater. In 1941, this theater hosted the World Premier of “The Great Lie” starring legendary actress Bette Davis. The April 5 event coincided with Bette’s birthday so it was a twofold celebration that drew the nation’s spotlight and 10,000 enthusiastic spectators to Littleton. After the block was again leveled by fire in 1949, Jack vowed that he would not only build a fireproof structure, but that it would contain the finest theatre in New Hampshire. True to his word, the award-winning Jax Jr. opened on March 17, 1951 with a screening of "Royal Wedding" starring June Powell and Fred Astaire. Congratulatory messages were received from a host of Hollywood greats including Bob Hope, Betty Hutton, Bing Crosby and Alan Ladd. In 1952, the Jax Jr. received the Jay Emanuel Merit Award, the highest honor accorded to theatres by the Motion Picture Industry. On February 8, 1975, the Jax Jr. hosted the World Premier of "Two," starring Sarah Venable. Later titled "Captive," this film was shot on location in Littleton.
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment.
Location. 44° 18.387′ N, 71° 46.277′ W. Marker is in Littleton, New Hampshire, in Grafton County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Pleasant Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street. Marker is a metal plaque mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building. Marker is located near the theater main entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 32 Main Street, Littleton NH 03561, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Eames Building (a few steps from this marker); Harrington Block (a few steps from this marker); Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Tilton's Opera Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Chutter Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Littleton Stamp & Coin Co. (within shouting distance of this marker); Rounsevel Building
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 7, 2017
2. Jax Jr. Cinemas Marker (wide view; marker on wall left of entrance)
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Littleton, New Hampshire Historic Buildings
Also see . . . Jax Jr. History.
On January 28, 2011, The Jax Jr. Cinemas became New Hampshire's first all Digital 3D Cinema. 2011 marked the 60th anniversary of the Jax. Jr. Cinemas and with the arrival of Digital 3D Cinema the Jax Jr. continues a proud tradition of being one of the most modern movie theaters in the world. (Submitted on April 13, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 7, 2017
3. Jax Jr. Cinemas
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 7, 2017
4. Jax Jr. Cinemas (Pleasant Street view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 7, 2017
5. Jax Jr. Cinemas (Main Street view)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 252 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 13, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
