A
AlAbAmA poWer has generated the "lights" for
more than a century. In recent years, however, the
Alabama Power Foundation has offered assistance
to groups throughout the state to help provide the
"camera" and the "action."
The foundation's support has helped restore
and preserve several historic theaters and old
movie houses throughout the state. According to
the League of Historic American Theatres, there
are still a dozen theaters in Alabama that were
built before 1931, and 20 that opened their doors
before 1950.
During their early days, many of these theaters
were the star of their own show. They
sparkled with ornate radiance, emitting
a carnival-like glow on the outside and
offering plush comforts on the inside.
There's a reason why they became
affectionately known as "movie palaces."
Historians say more than 4,000 theaters
were built in the United States between 1914 and
1922. Many were used for the new entertainment
4
STORY BY CARY ESTES
PHOTOS SPECIAL TO ALABAMA POWER
Restored movie houses light up communities
across Alabama.
Historic
theaters bring
spark to
Alabama
communities
The Princess
Theatre in
Decatur, housed
in an 1880s
building, is one of
Alabama's oldest
theaters.
