Theater History

The Pastime Theatre was built in 1937 by local laborers Elwood Smith, Sim Tidwell and Little Boy Tidwell; carpenters, Arlon Trull, S. Trull and Radburg Bryant; and brick masons Penny Trull and Al Smith. The theatre opened in 1938 as a movie theatre with a stage large enough for vaudeville productions. The theatre was owned by Mr. and Mrs. George T. Thornton and daughter Glenera R. Horn and operated by as a movie theatre. Worthington Theatres foreclosed on the property in October 1965. In 1965 Jack Lane and Frances Borders purchased and operated the theatre through the 1970’s. It reopened under different management for a short period in the 1980’s but closed permanently. The A. P. Seals family purchased the building in 1993. The building which had been vacant for several years was purchased from the A. P. Seals family on November 13, 2000, by the Winfield Main Street Program. 

Under the direction of Bob Henger, the first phase of the restoration, which included roof, floors, walls, ceiling, electrical, plumbing, and heating and air conditioning began. State of the art sound system, stage lighting, seats and curtains were installed. A wooden marquee was constructed complete with theatre lights. Careful attention was given to detail in order to retain the original art deco. Nine original seats, which served the Black entrance, were left untouched in the balcony. A premier viewing of “Our Town” by Alabama Public Television opened the theatre on November 30, 2002. In 2005 a metal marquee was installed.

Today the theatre, which is owned by the City of Winfield and operated by a seven-member board, brings much needed cultural, artistic and educational performances to our community and the surrounding area.

Inside Picture Coming

Inside Picture Coming