O. C. Lam, who operated several theatres in the region, opened the DeSoto Theatre on 5 August 1929. Employing the new Vitaphone system, it was the first in the South to feature “talkies”. It served as a first-run theatre until closing in 1982. After extensive restoration, it is again a showplace for Rome, hosting numerous events each year and serving as the home of the Rome Little Theatre.
Between the Rivers Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
I grew up in Rome back in the 60’s & 70’s and the Desoto Theatre was the best place to go and see 1st run box office movies up until the Riverbend mall was built. I remember standing in line many Friday and Saturday nights looking at the bright white lights and waiting to buy tickets to see a movie.
I was born in Rome and have family there. Since Daddy was in the Army, we never really lived there, and haven’t since, but a fond childhood memory was going to the DeSoto and being mesmerized by the HUGE aquarium in the lobbby. I had never seen such a thing, but it was magical. Don’t remember what the movie was though!
Beautiful Theater great photo of a historical building that has a new life!