Batesville in Independence County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Melba Theater
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 22, 2023
1. Melba Theater Secondary Marker
This plaque notes the building's placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
Originally constructed in 1875 as an opera house, eight years later in 1883 it was converted to a mercantile store. In 1939, then known as the Brewer Store, it was purchased by Commonwealth Theaters, remodeled in the Art Deco style and, in 1940, reopened its doors to become the state's first cinemascope theatre. In 2000 it was purchased by Terry and Ramona Chandler and remodeled. It continues to entertain local residents.
Erected by Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Department of Arkansas Heritage (National Register plaque).
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 35° 46.2′ N, 91° 39.265′ W. Marker was in Batesville, Arkansas, in Independence County. It was at the intersection of West Main Street and North Central Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West Main Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 115 W Main St, Batesville AR 72501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was on Arkansas’ Ozark Plateau. It was also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Melba Theater Before & After. YouTube video (1m 22s)
The Melba Theater began operating in 1940 in Batesville, AR. Over the years, the theaters became dilapidated. In October 2014, the theater closed for business. Two families from Batesville, AR, purchased the theater with a goal to restore the historic landmark. In August 2016, the Melba Theater held its red-carpet style Grand Re-Opening and has had tremendous success. (Melba Theater, uploaded Sept. 28, 2016) (Submitted on April 25, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. Melba Theater. Theater website homepage (Submitted on December 15, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 22, 2023
2. Melba Theater
via NPS, unknown
3. Batesville Commercial Historic District
National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form for the district, which includes the Melba Theater and was listed in 1982.
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 25, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 421 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 25, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on April 27, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
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