Connellee-Majestic Theatre

Duane's take

Here's how the official marker tells it, and here's how Duane tells it back to you. Back in 1920, a man named C.U. Connellee put up a theatre right here in Eastland County.

Now, they called this man the Father of Eastland, and when a man earns a title like that, you can bet he did not do things halfway. The building he raised became a noted showplace, and for good reason. Road shows rolled through.

Musicians took the stage. Plays unfolded under its roof. For years, this place was the heartbeat of a night out in Eastland.

Then came 1946. Interstate Theatres purchased the building, remodeled it top to bottom, and pointed it in a new direction, the movies. They gave it a new name to match: Majestic.

And that same year, they hung the marquee out front, the one that still catches your eye today. The style they worked with is called Art Moderne, and the building wears it well. A stuccoed facade, smooth and deliberate.

A bank of six entry doors, because when you are expecting a crowd, you plan for one. You look at this place and you can almost hear the applause still bouncing off those walls, first for the stage, then for the silver screen. One building, two lives, and both of them worth remembering.

What the marker says

Built in 1920 by C.U. Connellee, the "Father of Eastland", this theatre hosted numerous road shows, musical performances, and plays, and was a noted showplace for many years. Purchased by Interstate Theatres in 1946, the building was remodeled for use as a movie theatre and renamed Majestic. Exhibiting Art Moderne elements, the theatre features a stuccoed facade, a bank of six entry doors, and a marquee, which was added in 1946. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1988