photo by Marcia Cirillo

Opened on San Jacinto Day, April 21, 1931, as the largest suburban theater in Dallas. Only the Majestic and the Palace Theaters in downtown Dallas exceeded the Texas’ capacity of 2000 patrons. It was touted as the first theater in Dallas to be constructed specifically for talking motion pictures, and it also featured a pipe organ played by Dwight Brown. The first week’s program included the Fox Movietone News, a Mickey Mouse cartoon, and the Buster Keaton talkie, “Parlor, Bedroom and Bath.” Price of admission: 35, 25, or 10 cents depending on which show you attended.

At left is an artist’s rendition of what the Texas looked like on opening night. with original sign and marquis. The bright lights and Italian Renaissance facade led some to label West Jefferson a new “Amusement Way.”

For more info see History of Texas Theater

Below, how the theater looked like on Nov 23, 1963.

Thanks to Gretchen Goetz for use of her photo

One of my favorite photos of the Raven sign. I love Gretchen Goetz’s description of him as “a good lookin’ dude staring daggers at his rival across the street on every turn.” See more work by this Oak Cliff artist at http://thegretchenshow.com or at http://thegretchenshow.wordpress.com

Built in 1925, Sunset was the second high school in Oak Cliff. Still standing at 2120 W. Jefferson. Go, Bisons!

The Green Hut Cafe - 113 W. Jefferson

The Green Hut Cafe was open for at least ten years, from about 1938-1948. It was first located at 244 W. Jefferson, and then moved across the street and down a block to 113. Its slogan was “Finest Foods at Popular Prices”, but in 1943 an injunction was issued against its proprietors for selling beer in excess of wartime price ceilings. In March 1948 the cafe suffered damage from a fire that started in its kitchen, which also damaged several neighboring businesses. It may never have recovered.

photo by John Cirillo

Here’s a shot looking east on Jefferson from Polk. Wish I’d had the foresight to go down there and shoot these old signs.