Palace Theatre seeking donations due to COVID-19
The Palace Theater celebrates 95 years of operation this year, but the board of directors of the Palace Theatre is asking for help. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all scheduled events at the Palace Theatre have been canceled for the 2020 calendar year. Without events to generate income, the theater has no means of support to cover the cost of utility bills and insurance payments.
A go fund me has been created to aid in this venture, with the goal of $10,000. Currently, the fundraiser is about at 8 percent of the goal.
The Palace Theater, previously called the “Majestic” Theater, was born in 1912 in Marlin, built by a “Mr. Christian.” It sat on Railroad Street, now Heritage Row, and showed Birth of a Nation as it's first film. The building was later purchased by film connoisseur J.C. Chatmas.
Chatmas moved to Marlin in the early 1900s and quickly became involved with the local theater. When another of his similar entrepreneurial ventures, the Orpheum Opera House, burned down in 1921, he decided that the Majestic was in need of renovation to avoid a similar fate.
He bought the building in 1924 and because of the condition of disarray, Chatmas decided it would be in best interest to tear the whole thing down and start from scratch.
Construction on The Palace Theatre was completed in 1925.
The venue was host to a number of vaudeville acts and silent films during Marlin's healing water booms in the first half of the 1900s. It was during that point in time that thousands were visiting Marlin; seeking cures to many obscure ailments they faced. Rumor has it that Bonnie and Clyde used to hide out in the (now unused) apartments behind the theater in the 1930s.
Other tales include a prohibition-era speakeasy, famous visitors, and even stories on theater ghosts.
J.C. Chatmus ran the place with the help of his right-hand man, Casey, until his death in 1966, but it was operated by family members for another nine years after such time. The Chatmus Family held onto the theater until 1980, when it was donated to the First Presbyterian Church of Marlin.
In 1981, the Marlin Palace Theater Center, Inc, a non-profit group dedicated to the restoration and revitalization of the arts, was formed. With the help of the community, restorations began on the roof, along with the electrical, sound, and audio systems.
Sporadic fundraising events were held until the early 2010s, when a regular event schedule was brought back. Kitchens were added, making it the perfect place to hold meals. The original seats have been taken out, but were preserved and are used sporadically.
The building is also home to a small museum area that holds bits and pieces of not only Marlin history, but film history too. There are objects such as vintage backdrops, old ticket machines, and even original lighting fixtures. Through the decline of Marlin, the Palace Theatre never gave up hope of bringing the art of performance to the community.
It continues to host comedy shows, dinner theaters, festivals, plays, and even unique events such as Paranormal University ot Tarot readings. This weekend will hold a Tarot reading event, with psychic Rachel Warren-Sosa of Moral Compass Tarot herself. Spots are filled, but she will be back soon!
To donate to the cause, go to The Palace Theatre Marlin, TX Facebook page (or head to this link)