Open almost continuously since the dawn of talking pictures, the Ritz is still in operation and shows first-run and classic movies seven days a week. It has recently been digitized and, since this photograph was made, its facade has been restored. Visit their Facebook page for schedules and more information.
The taller building on the left may have first been known as the Dixie Theatre but by 1952 was operating as the Sylvia Theatre.
Chartered by an act of the General Assembly on February 1, 1788,Glynn Academy is the second-oldest public high school in the South and one of the oldest in the United States. The building pictured above (public domain image, via Wikipedia) and below dates to 1840. It is thought to be the oldest standing wooden public school structure in Georgia. Also, it is the only extant antebellum structure in Glynn County. In its early history it served as a temporary courthouse for Glynn County, as well. It was moved to Sterling in 1915, where it was used as a school for African-Americans until desegregation and was returned to this location in 2008 and is now used as an interpretive museum.
Several historic structures make up the campus of Glynn Academy, which is one of two high schools in Glynn County.
The Annex Building dates to 1889, and was designed by Alfred Eichberg. A lightning strike did severe damage to the structure in 2005. It has been completely remodeled and remains a vital part of the campus.
The Prep Junior High School Building is perhaps the most recognizable structure on the campus. Built in 1909 to house sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, it was later annexed by Glynn Academy.
Savannah architect Henrik Wallin (1873-1936) designed the eponymous Glynn Academy Building, which was erected as a memorial to Glynn County’s World War I veterans. It was completed in 1923 and today is the school’s main administrative building.
The A. V. Wood Gymnasium was built in 1928 to advance physical education at Glynn Academy. Though supplanted by a more modern gym, it is still in use today.
National Register of Historic Places
Originally known as the Georgia Theater, this Art Deco landmark is now part of the Averitt Center for the Arts and was renamed in honor of musical icon Emma Kelly, the “Lady of 6,000 Songs”. The late Mrs. Kelly is known to wider audiences for her cameo role in the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, based on John Berendt’s best-selling book of the same name. See schedules here.
East Main Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
This Art Deco landmark now serves as the senior citizens center. Built by Charlie Powell and remodeled after burning in 1956, it’s one of the most visually appealing theatres in South Georgia.
Moultrie Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
This historic mid-century theatre, built and operated by the Martin Theatres group is now known as the J. Lane Theater.
At the age of 16, in 1907, Louis Friedlander (1891-1975) came to Colquitt County and began a business of peddling sundries to local farmers, first on foot and later with a mule and wagon. He opened a small store at this location in 1908, known originally as the Bargain Store but soon thereafter changed to Friedlander’s. He built this structure in 1936, even though the community was suffering immensely from the ravages of the Great Depression, and it became one of the most successful retailers in South Georgia. A recent restoration reinforces the importance of this local landmark, a fine example of Art Deco architecture.
Many Moultrie folks have great memories of Friedlander’s. Fay Brock writes: I worked in the office at Friedlander’s from November 1967 until August 1970. I loved my time spent there, I really learned a lot working for this family owned and operated business. The books from all of the stores were kept in this main location. There were about 6 or 7 stores in Georgia and two in Daytona Beach, Florida. They gave me my first real job, and I will be forever grateful that they had enough faith in me to give me the opportunity. Judy Plymel recalls: wow..if this store could talk.. bought so many cool clothes here.. my first prom dress.. when I was a little girl.. my Easter shoes.. Easter dress on occasion.. it was 3 stories.. and the only one in town with an elevator for many years.. such a cool store at the time.. I can add that my hometown of Fitzgerald also had a Friedlander’s store when I was a boy. My great aunt, Gladys Brown, worked there for many years and visiting her was always a treat.
Moultrie Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
This old Martin theatre currently serves as the Dosta Playhouse, home of Theatre Guild Valdosta.
Valdosta Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
One of the most beautifully renovated movie palaces in South Georgia, the Grand is an anchor for Fitzgerald’s downtown historic district. I remember seeing movies here as a boy, and the seats were ragged, the paint was terrible, and the place had a horrible ambiance. The restoration is one of the best things Fitzgerald has done.
Ernie Fordham writes: I worked at the Grand three afternoons a week and Saturdays and Sundays as a relief ticket taker and usher in 1957-58. I worked an hour each weekday, six hours on Saturday and six hours on Sunday for the grand total of $4.00 a week. Back then the pay was pretty good for a 14 – 15 year old plus I got to watch all the movies free and eat all the popcorn and fountain drinks I wanted (as long as I brought my own popcorn bag and drink cup!) Bagging groceries at the Jitney Jungle had only paid 5 cents and hour for a 12 hour day on Saturdays, so this was quite a raise! And not nearly as hot as taking grocery bags out to cars for people who did not know about tipping!
The Grand recently acquired a 1926 Barton Theatre Organ, one of only a few still in use; the Barton was often used for the “soundtrack” to silent films in early American movie houses, and it is a great honor for a town the size of Fitzgerald to have such an instrument.
Fitzgerald Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
The Blackshear Bank Building is one of South Georgia’s nicest, featuring marble siding and strong Art Deco details, especially the corner eagles, as seen above. Though I’ve not located any history, the bank was likely built between 1930-1945.