This is the third building in Macon to bear the name Douglass Theatre. All three were owned and operated by Charles Henry Douglass (1870-1940), a son of former slaves and the most prominent and wealthiest Black businessman in early-20th-century Macon.
The first Douglass Theatre opened circa 1912. It was replaced by a temporary location at 1223 Broadway in 1917, while plans for the present structure were being finalized. The New Douglass Theatre, adjacent to the Douglass Hotel, opened in 1921. Douglass operated it until his death in 1940 [though he leased it to Ben Stein from 1927-1929]. His widow and sons kept it open until 1973. The venue showed first-run movies and hosted live performances. Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, and Duke Ellington were among some of the better known early performers.
Restoration of the Douglass was completed circa 1997 and it continues to serve as an important events venue.
Macon Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Remember is well. Was across from Greyhound station.
But since segregated, we never went there then.
On Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 3:14 PM Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian
What a very attractive building with such an interesting history. Glad it has been preserved and is still serving Macon!