Pawtucket in Providence County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
The Leroy Theatre
At this corner once stood the Leroy Theatre. Named after the son of the first owner Charles T. Payne's who died in World War I, this Art Deco theatre opened in 1923, and it operated as a cinema, concert venue, and later a live boxing and wrestling venue for over 60 years. The Leroy attracted a number of major rock acts in its later years as well, like Frank Zappa, The Kinks, Aerosmith, Blondie, R.E.M., and Twisted Sister.
However, the theatre also faced its share of challenges in its lifetime. The Leroy changed hands many times as ticket sales diminished, the building deteriorated, and the costs of meeting fire code became too great. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, but this honor alone does not protect a building. The Leroy Theatre closed its doors for good in 1990, and it was finally demolished in 1997.
Erected by Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.
Location. 41° 52.773′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley, in Greater Providence, and on Narragansett Bay. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pawtucket Public Library (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pawtucket Public Library / Old Pawtucket Post Office (about 800 feet away); Pvt Lawrence E. Redmond (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pawtucket Veterans Memorial (approx. Ό mile away); Tolerance (approx. Ό mile away); Pawtucket City Hall
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 165 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 16, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
