Palace Theater

Cumberland County's Palace Theater was constructed in 1938 as a multi use entertainment facility, seating 600 people. The theater showed films, hosted concerts, as well as plays. Even members of the Grand Ole Opry performed at the Palace. The first film to be screened at the Palace was "If I Were King." During World War II, the Palace served as a base for Cumberland County's war efforts. Charity drives were held inside the Theater to raise money for the War. The building is constructed as a combination between the Art Deco and Moderne architectural styles. The stone that the building is sheathed in was mined in the nearby Crab Orchard community. For forty years the Palace Theater served as the entertainment center for Cumberland County and its surrounding communities. In 1978 the Palace was closed when a newer, more modern theater was opened. The building sat empty and in a dilapidated state until 1993. Ultimately a group of concerned citizens came together and convinced the Cumberland County government to purchase the historic Theater. The government leaders agreed, and the building was purchased and restored. On January 7, 1994 the Palace Theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today the Palace Theater serves as a community center, that is available for the public to rent for events. The Palace Theater is a great example of historic preservation, and the National Register of Historic Places in action.

At Moore Historical Consulting my #1 priority is historic preservation. Do you own a historic home, commercial building, or farm? If so contact me today to learn more about the historic preservation strategies I offer. These include nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, nominations for a Permanent Conservation Easement, nominations to the Century Farms program, and writing text for historic makers. At Moore Historical Consulting I make exploring and preserving your past fun and easy.