Polk Theatre and Office Building - Lakeland, FL - U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Waymarking.com

This theatre opened on December 22, 1928 with Warner Brothers all-talking special, “On Trial”. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down.

Notables to perform through the years include Sally Rand with her famous fan dance, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Gene Krupa, Eddy Arnold, Tom Mix, Gene Autrey, Glenn Miller and the king himself, Elvis Presley in 1956.

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Elvis played 3 shows in this theatre on August 6, 1956. In an upstairs dressing room there is an autograph by Elvis Presley. Apparently he and his band played there in the 50s, right after he became popular on KWKH's "Louisiana Hay Ride" and right before he broke big internationally. It was probably Elvis' first nation-wide tour. The Polk Theater folks have placed plexi-glass over the signature and rarely let people go into the dressing area. Those that are lucky enough to get a tour of the facility catch a quick glimpse of the autograph.
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Update: In March 2008, water infiltrated dressing rooms, storage areas and the auditorium, forcing removal of carpets, drywall and ceilings, including a treasured piece of wall signed by Elvis Presley after a performance in 1956. Repair crews from Waller Emergency Services cut out the section of wall Friday and took it away for protection and drying. Waller employees said Presley's signature was still visible.
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Street address: 139 South Florida Ave Lakeland, FL USA 33801 County / Borough / Parish: Polk County Year listed: 1993 Historic (Areas of) Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering Periods of significance: 1925-1949 Historic function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture Current function: Recreation And Culture, Work In Progress Privately owned?: yes Hours of operation: From: 8:00 PM To: 10:00 PM Primary Web Site: [Web Link] Secondary Website 1: [Web Link] Secondary Website 2: [Web Link] Season start / Season finish: Not listed National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   02/29/2016 RogueAirPirate visited it 03/17/2013 floridakayakgirl visited it 04/30/2011 macdonr visited it 05/16/2008 lazyCachers visited it

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