LAMAR  1716 Lamar
 

Opened 1926   .    

The Lamar dates back to the silent movie era.  Now closed for over 20 years, it still stands but has clearly not withstood the wear and tear of time very well.   There is a small stage and a small organ chamber left and right of the proscenium at stage level. The arched window visible in the photo opens into the projection booth. In the projection booth there are vestiges of an older facade, indicating that the booth and lobby are additions to an older theater.  When last seen in 1990 the roof was nearly gone, the side exit doors falling out of the walls. Every other row of seats had been removed for the live part of the porno show which was the Lamar's last use.
 

There's been talk recently that the building might still be saved and renovated for theater use.  The LAMAR is listed in the 1928 through 1958 Memphis Directories.  We've not verified beyond that date.
 
 

     

 
 

 
Architect's Elevation

1940 Ad

1955 Ad

1950 Ad
 
 

 

  

1953 Ad      

Lamar Adult ad 1972
 
   

 

 Historic Memphis Website 
   
 

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