FAIRYLAND THEATRE Poplar Av
 



The Fairyland Theatre opened in Memphis Fairlyand Park in 1906.  Fairyland Park was on Poplar about where the Parkview Hotel was located at the entrance to Overton Park.  In addition to the theatre, the park supposedly had amusement rides and restaurants - but we cannot find any details of these.  The theatre started with great expectations, but it burned 2 years after opening and was not rebuilt.  This, apparently was the end of Fairyland Park also.  The Map below shows the location of Fairyland Park on Poplar Av.  The theatre burned in 1908 and was not rebuilt.  This marked the end of Fairyland Park also.
 
Fairyland Theater is listed in the 1906-1908 Memphis Directories..  The theatre burned in 1908
 

Map

NY Times article - Fire 1908

Fairland Theatre 1907

Item in 'The Theatre' Magazine - 1906
 

From Billboard 1907:  "The Fairyland Park Theatre, under the direction of the Fairyland Stock company, opened with a stock company of high merit, but owing to bad weather the attendance was not very great at the opening of the season, but later, good crowds attended.  Fairyland Park was closed in September, but was sold November 2 at a receiver's sale to O. F. Bryan for $2000.  Within the past twelve months the moving picture business has become quite a factor in the way of amusements in Memphis.  The first house of this sort to be opened in the city was the Theatorium, under the management of Mr. Dinstuhl, and in a short time no less than twenty of these theatres were scattered about the city.  By the introduction of singing and vaudeville acts with their moving pictures, the city imposed a license on these places of $400 per year, payable in advance.  The action put several smaller shows out of business, but those who remained included The Theatorium, The Amuse, Dixie,  Ruby, and The Odeon - all doing good business".
 
 
 
 
   

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