Demopolis has a long tradition of theaters, and this building is part of that heritage. The Braswell Theater opened on Strawberry Street in 1902. Next was the Elks/Si-Non/Lido that operated from 1915 to 1935. On September 14, 1935, the Marengo Theater in downtown Demopolis celebrated its grand opening as the exclusive showplace for movies. A capacity crowd enjoyed the picture, Two for Tonight, but a phone call from Hollywood star, Jean Harlow, to Mayor N. C. Floyd proved to be the evening’s highlight. Originally operated by the Atlanta Company, the Marengo was subsequently purchased in 1940 by Henry W. Webb, its first local owner. The Marengo Theater closed in 2013.
The Marengo Theater building is located at 219 East Washington Street in downtown Demopolis (Google Maps – 32.517416, -87.835526).
Provided are pictures of the Marengo Theater. Also included are pictures of the Demopolis Theater Historical District historical marker that has additional details about the history of the theaters at Demopolis.
Source: 1) Demopolis Theater Historical District historical marker (located at the corner of Strawberry Street and Washington Street
Photographs courtesy of RuralSWAlabama.