Comanche in Comanche County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Ritz Theater Building
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 11, 2014
1. Ritz Theater Building Marker
William Martin and D. C. Byrne constructed this building in March of 1881. It was sold in September of 1881 to Hill, Moore and Co. for $2000.00. W. R. Slider sold the property to Harry Brin in 1914 for $5000.00 in cash. Mr. Brin established the Majestic Theater circa 1916. Harry Brin left the property to his granddaughter Bertha Browne and her husband Norman C. Browne in 1936. The building and theater were leased by J. V. Carter in 1939 for 3 years and then purchased by Mr. Carter in 1942 who changed the name to the Ritz Theater. In 1947 part of the downstairs area was leased to Ernest Tupin for a jewelry store. In 1951 Mr. Carter sold his interest in the Ritz Theater and the Majestic Theater located up the street to Jack Arthur and Harrold Flemins. In 1955 the owners leased the building to the United Uranium Dirt Setting Co. of Waco. The company added dirt troughs between the aisles so that people could put their feet in the uranium ore while watching the latest movies. It was believed to be a cure for arthritis and other ailments. The old stage and pressed tin ceiling are still intact. Other business at this location included Swindle Jewelry, Barricks Jewelry and Hasleys Beauty Shop located upstairs.
Erected by Comanche County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed
this page online
Location. 31° 53.883′ N, 98° 36.311′ W. Marker is in Comanche, Texas, in Comanche County. Marker is on Houston Street north of Central Avenue (U.S. 67/377), on the left when traveling north. Marker and building are on the courthouse square. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 123 North Houston Street, Comanche TX 76442, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Chilton-Harelik Building (a few steps from this marker); Durham Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Huett Building and Carrera Glass (within shouting distance of this marker); Royal King (within shouting distance of this marker); The Comanche Chief (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Cora Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Calaboose and rock with irons (within shouting distance of this marker); Bicentennial Park (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Comanche.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 11, 2014
2. Ritz Theater Building and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 14, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 622 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 14, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
