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 Sultana Theater - Williams, Arizona Posted by:  iconions
N 35° 15.000 W 112° 11.372
12S E 391781 N 3901416
This one-story, concrete block building is located at 301 West Route 66 in Williams, Arizona. The theater closed in 1957.
Waymark Code: WM126GC
Location: Arizona, United States
Date Posted: 03/11/2020
Views: 4
The Sultana Theater opened in 1912, showing silent films. Talking films were shown starting in 1930. On July 1, 1938 it was raken over by Harry L. Nace Theatres chain and was still open in 1957. The space is currently occupied by a steakhouse, but the screen and curtain remain.
- Cinema Treasures Website
THE "WORLD FAMOUS" SULTANA
Constructed of formed concrete
block in 1912, this saloon and
billiard hall included a buffet
for the townspeople who used it as
a gathering place. Named for the
famous Sultana ruby of India.
During Prohibition the basement
Speakeasy provided bootleg liquor
and gambling by invitation only.
- Marker Text
Historic Property Name: Sultana Building
Architect/Builder: Ben Sweetwood
Construction/Modification Dates: 1912
The Sultana Building is a large, high, single-story square plan commercial building approximately 90 x 90 feet, constructed of rusticated concrete block. It has a horizontal parapet and is divided by block walls into three units. The western unit was a bar, the central unit a theater, and the western unit was office and businesses divided into two store front bays with large plate glass windows. Although the Sultana primarily faces north onto Bill Williams Ave., its east facade facing 3rd st. is clearly visible with concrete sills and lintels. The rear has a section which was added to the building in 1937. This was used as a business office. The metal panels in the gable end are placed above rusticated cement block.
The interior has been paneled over, but there are plans to restore it. The window enclosures are recoverable and the building is in need of maintenance, but despite this, the Sultana still retains a high level of integrity.
The Sultana Building, built by Ben Sweetwood in 1912, is historically significant as a major commercial building in Williams which housed the city offices for over forty years, the local newspaper, the first talking picture show in northern Arizona, and was the location of many civic functions as well as entertainment. During prohibition the basement was used for gambling and drinking and later closed to the public. Architecturally, the Sultana is one of the few local examples of early concrete block industry. Its massiveness and styling contribute to the overall integrity of the District, and its role in the entertainment and civic functions for the citizens of Williams makes it an important contributor to the history of Williams.
- National Register Application
Year Theater Opened: 1912
Ticket Price (local currency): 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Matinee Price (local currency): 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Number of Screen(s): 1
Concessions Available: no
Web site: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Must take a photo of the theater.
Please try to include yourself or gps in the picture.
Tell of your experience at the theater, if it is still a theater. If it is no longer a theater tell of an experience from the past at the theater, if this can be done.
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