Douglas in Coffee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Martin Theater
ca 1939
— Main Street National Register District —
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 10, 2021
1. Martin Theater Marker
Inscription.
Martin Theater. ca 1939. Construction began in 1939 for Martin Theater Company. The facility served as a motion picture house until the 1970's. The Martin family deeded the building to the City of Douglas in 1979. Volunteers encouraged city officials, under the leadership of Mayor J.C. Adams, to avoid demolition and work toward preserving the building. With political support at their side, additional volunteers came forward and fund raising efforts surfaced. In a state of disrepair, the facility hosted numerous performing arts events which brought even more support from community based organizations. Twenty years after acquisition, community volunteerism proved successful. A county-wide vote from local citizens provided the financial support to see the project through.
Construction began in 1939 for Martin Theater Company. The facility served as a motion picture house until the 1970's. The Martin family deeded the building to the City of Douglas in 1979. Volunteers encouraged city officials, under the leadership of Mayor J.C. Adams, to avoid demolition and work toward preserving the building. With political support at their side, additional volunteers came forward and fund raising efforts surfaced. In a state of disrepair, the facility hosted numerous performing arts events which brought even more support from community based organizations. Twenty years after acquisition, community volunteerism proved successful. A county-wide vote from local citizens provided the financial support to see the project through.
Location. 31° 30.496′ N, 82° 50.999′ W. Marker is in Douglas, Georgia, in Coffee County. Marker is on East Ashley Street (Georgia Route 32) east of Peterson Avenue (U.S. 441), on the left when traveling east. Marker is mounted at eye-level near the southwest corner of the theater, facing East Ashley Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 109 East Ashley Street, Douglas GA 31533, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regarding Martin Theater. Contributing property, Downtown Douglas Historic District, NRHP #93000941. The Martin Theater (now Martin Centre) is a good example of Moderne style.
Also see . . . The Martin Centre. Originally built in late 1939 – 1941 as a "Martin" movie house, the theater is now being utilized for rentals, dance recitals, and concerts. (Submitted on October 13, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 10, 2021
2. Martin Theater Marker
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 10, 2021
3. Martin Theater
(marker visible beneath marquee, near bottom left)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 10, 2021
4. Martin Theater (entrance detail)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 10, 2021
5. Martin Theater (south elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 13, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 248 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 13, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
