Cleveland in Liberty County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Texan Theater

Liberty County Historic Landmark

Photographed by James Hulse, September 22, 2022

1. Texan Theater Marker

Inscription. In 1939, Long Amusement Company, operators of the Cleveland Theater since 1933, purchased property on Houston Street to build a more modern theater. Theater officials Glen McClain and John G. Long contracted with W. C. Lindley to complete the 500-seat theater at a cost of $35,000. As it was known then, the Texas Theater opened on Friday, October 13, 1939. In addition to movies, the theater hosted benefit performances and live entertainment.

A fire in 1962 gutted the theater and damaged other nearby businesses. Three other fires occurred by Spring 1963. In 1967 Owen Properties Inc. purchased the property and constructed a new fire proof building completed in 1969.

By the 1990s small town theaters were becoming obsolete. Cliff and Peggy Dunn purchased and improved the property in 1994 for a family friendly theater. Major restorations took place in 2004 including a 1930s period neon lighting tower. In 2012 expensive changes in projection technology from the old reel system threatened closure. The community rallied behind the Dunns with a successful "Save the Texan" fund raising campaign.

The Texan Theater routinely shows first run, films offering tickets and refreshments at modest prices. Community and Charitable events are freely offered on site. It is an example of nationwide efforts in small towns to restore

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their iconic movie theaters.

Erected 2020 by Liberty County Historical Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is October 13, 1939.

Location. 30° 20.54′ N, 95° 5.302′ W. Marker is in Cleveland, Texas, in Liberty County. It is at the intersection of East Houston Street (State Highway 321) and South Travis Avenue, on the right when traveling east on East Houston Street. The marker is located on the front wall of the theater entrance. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cleveland TX 77327, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Houston Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: City of Cleveland (within shouting distance of this marker); First National Bank of Cleveland (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); World War II Memorial (about 700 feet away); Vietnam Veterans Memorial (about 700 feet away); All Women Who Served Their Country in All Wars (about 700 feet away); World War I Memorial (about 800 feet away); Korean Conflict Memorial (about 800 feet away); Tom Hill House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cleveland.

The view of the Texan Theater image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse

2. The view of the Texan Theater

The front entrance to the Texan Theater and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 22, 2022

3. The front entrance to the Texan Theater and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 544 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 24, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.