DeLand in Volusia County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Athens Theatre

1922

Photographed by AGS Media, August 1, 2011

1. The Athens Theatre Marker

Inscription. This historically significant landmark opened in 1922 as a silent film/vaudeville theatre. Once the entertainment centerpiece of the county, the Athens operated continuously for nearly seventy years, changing its programming over time as technology advanced. The theatre was developed by L.M. Patterson, a native of Washington, D.C., who moved to DeLand in 1920 and organized the DeLand Moving Picture Company. Designed by Murray S. King, a prominent Orlando Architect, the theatre was completed in 1921. Music and sound effects were performed on a large Wurlitzer organ. The opening night performance on January 6, 1922 featured the 7-reel silent film, "The Black Panther's Cub," a 4-act comic play, and four vaudeville acts.

Erected by the West Volusia Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Florida - West Volusia Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 6, 1922.

Location. 29° 1.739′ N, 81° 18.328′ W. Marker is in DeLand, Florida, in Volusia County. It is at the intersection of North Florida Avenue and West Indiana Avenue on North Florida Avenue. The marker is mounted on the front of the building,

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to the right when facing the box office window. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 124 North Florida Avenue, Deland FL 32720, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Florida’s First Coast.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

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 territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: DeLand Vietnam Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Volusia County Historic Courthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Volusia County Courthouse (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Historic Volusia County Courthouse (about 400 feet away); First Commercial Store (about 500 feet away); Landis-Fish Building (about 500 feet away); The First Post Office (about 500 feet away); First Movie House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in DeLand.

Regarding The Athens Theatre. The Athens Theatre's name was derived from the vision of Henry DeLand, who sought to create DeLand as a city that would be the “Athens of Florida”.

Photographed by AGS Media, August 1, 2011

2. The Athens Theatre Marker

The Athens Theatre image. Click for full size.

Photographed by AGS Media, August 1, 2011

3. The Athens Theatre

Photographed by AGS Media, August 1, 2011

4. The Athens Theatre

Photographed by AGS Media, August 1, 2011

5. The Athens Theatre Marker

This plaque appears on the side of the building.
This project was funded in part by the County of Volusia ECHO Grant Program, approved by its citizens November 2001 to support environmental, cultural, historical, and outdoor recreation projects.

Photographed by AGS Media, August 1, 2011

6. The Athens Theatre

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2011, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,085 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 15, 2011, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.