Panama City in Bay County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Lincoln Theater/KofP Hall

c.1957

Photographed By Brandon D Cross

1. Lincoln Theater/KofP Hall (1957) Marker

Inscription. The Lincoln Theater, opened by the Bailey Theater chain in November 1950, stood as one of the last bastions of "colored theaters" where African Americans could enjoy movies and entertainment during a time of segregation. Operating until 1957, it served as a vital cultural hub for the community. Later, the building became the meeting place for the Shady Grove Lodge #18, Knights of Pythias, and the Order of Calanthe until 1996 when it was demolished for the expansion of Cove Boulevard, now Martin Luther King, Jr. Over the years, notable Chancellor Commanders, including Lonnie Perry Sr., Lonnie Purnell, Sgt. Bailey, Rev. Brown, and La'Micheal V. Eddie led meetings within its walls, leaving behind a legacy of camaraderie and resilience in the face of adversity.

(caption)
Lincoln Theater
1115 Cove Blvd.

Erected 2024 by Panama City Quality of Life Program.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1957.

Location. 30° 10.125′ N, 85° 39.027′ W. Marker is in Panama City, Florida, in Bay County. Marker is at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard (U.S. 98)

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and 11th Court, on the right when traveling south on Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1115 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Panama City FL 32401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Russ Shoe Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle Memorial Funeral Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Lee’s Gulf Service Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Anderson’s Standard Service Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Rosenwald High School (approx. 0.6 miles away); 941 Grace Avenue (approx. 0.7 miles away); Panama City High School (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Old Jenks House (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Panama City.

Also see . . .
1. . (Submitted on April 18, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. 5 historical markers unveiled in Glenwood. (Submitted on April 18, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
3. Florida author captures biz-booming Black community Glenwood in new photo book. (Submitted on April 18, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed By Brandon D Cross

2. Lincoln Theater/KofP Hall (1957) Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 18, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 48 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 18, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.