Beaumont, up the road from me, has the restored Jeferson theater. Here is a pretty good write up:
"Opened in 1927 for the Saenger chain, the Jefferson (named for Beaumont's position as Jefferson's county seat), the theater was designed by the circuit's house architect, the prodigious Emile Weil, who also designed such noted Saenger palaces as the Saenger in New Orleans, the Saenger in Pensacola, Florida, and the Strand in Shreveport, the Saenger's hometown.
The Jefferson was one of the few Weil designs where he did not incorporate the letter "S" for the circuit into the exterior and interior design, though the theater was no less ornate than the rest of the Saenger's mid-sized houses of the 20s.
The Jefferson contained a 3 manual, 8 rank Robert Morton organ (which has since been lovingly restored to its original condition).
After decades as the city's premier movie house, the Jefferson declined in popularity, and was eventually shuttered. However, beginning in the early 90s, a campaign to restore the theater was kicked off, and has been underway ever since.
While restoration still continues, the Jefferson is currently home to both community theater and other live stage performances. "
The Theater suffered water damage to the roof and organ from Hurricane Rita, but the organ is now repaired. One of my friends from the local car club is one of the organists. I also have another friend I met through my 1958 Buick dealings that restores old church and theater organs for a living (he has two '58 Buicks).
Below is a link to a painting of the theater by well known local artist Randy Welborn. I have tow of his malt shop prints - his work really catches the local nostalgia of this area during its heydays.
This is the website of Randy Welborn. Shop for texas art, nature art, tree art, and more. Designs are available to purchase as canvas prints, framed prints, posters, greeting cards, apparel, and other products. I remember like it was yesterday... The little black box of PRANG watercolors I...
randywelborn.com
