THEATORIUM  .  MAJESTIC 1   158 N. Main St.
 

The THEATORIUM  was opened in 1905 by Charles Dinstuhl.  This is generally considered Memphis' first Nickelodeon movie theatre and the first theatre where films were the main attraction.  Between films, singers sang as slides were projected on screen.  Films shown here included "The Great Train Robbery".  The theatre was opened by Charles Dinstuhl, who owned the confection shop next door at 156 N. Main.  The theatre was part of the "Crystal Circuit".  In 1908 the Theatorium was purchased by Frank Montgomery and was renamed "Majestic #1".

There may have been 3 THEATORIUMS in Memphis .  See 1908-1909 Billboard Lists.
The Theatorium building - 1919  
 

C. M. Dinstuhl

Theatorium Building 1915

Theatorium ... Main-Washington

C. M. Dinstuhl

Dinstuhl Store
 

Billboard Feb 1908

Billboard 1908

Billboard 1908

Billboard Feb 1908
 

             Billboard Ads1908

Billboard 1909

Variety  Jan 1908

Billboard Ads1908
     
     
     

From Billboard 1907:  

"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 are all doing good business".

       

1909 Billboard  List
 
 
 
 

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