The History and Haunting of The Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre is the last surviving historic grand theatre in downtown Jacksonville.  It has stood for nearly one hundred years at 148 East Forsyth Street. Some people believe that the spirits of at least two of its early employees have also survived and often make themselves known to both theater goers and staff.

During the roaring 1920s, Jacksonville experienced a significant boom in its economy and population. The city became a highly popular vacation destination, drawing in visitors from across the country. The rise of the automobile industry and the completion of major highway projects made Jacksonville easily accessible, contributing to the influx of tourists. The city's vibrant entertainment scene flourished, with several theaters, dance halls, and jazz clubs popping up, making Jacksonville a hub for entertainment and nightlife.

At the time, there were fourteen theaters in Jacksonville, offering movies, shows, concerts and vaudeville acts.  In 1926 construction began on the largest and grandest venue in the city – The Florida Theatre.  It was to be a seven story fireproof structure with a garden on the roof, built on the site of an old police station and jail.  Construction of the theater took only one year due to the recent innovation of using pre-mixed mortar to bind the bricks from which it was made.  Being a thoroughly modern building for the time it was equipped with central heating and air conditioning.

The Florida Theatre first opened its doors on April 8, 1927 and provided a luxurious and glamorous experience for moviegoers. The theater's magnificent Mediterranean Revival architectural style, featuring intricate detailing, ornate sculptures, and a stunning marquee was impressive.  Some thought it looked like a Moorish courtyard at night inside, complete with blue sky, shining stars, and soaring fountains.  A grand Wurlitzer pipe organ provided live accompaniment to the silent movies on screen.  It instantly became a local sensation.

The opening night began with a fanfare from the American Legion Bugle Corps followed by an elaborate stage show. After that, the audience was treated to “Let It Rain”, a silent comedy film produced by and starring Douglas MacLean, directed by Edward F. Cline, and featuring Boris Karloff in a minor role as a U.S. mail robber. 

In the early years, The Florida Theatre primarily showcased silent films, accompanied by live organ music. One of the earliest musicians to play the theatre’s pipe organ was a man named Joseph Hilton.  While stars such as Greta Garbo, Lon Chaney, and Rudolph Valentino performed on screen, Hilton set the mood of each scene on the Wurlitzer organ.

Wurlitzer Pipe Organ of the Period

Sadly, like many performers who smile while they entertain their audiences, Hilton was inwardly depressed.  Eventually his sorrow overcame his will to live and he took his own life.  Even in death, though, some claim that his spirit still visits the theatre to play his beloved organ.  Although the grand Wurlitzer is long gone, visitors say they have heard it playing softly at times when the theatre is closed.  In the 1990’s a paranormal investigator using a recording technique called Electric Voice Phenomenon claimed to have heard a voice say “I’m Joseph Hilton.”

As technology advanced, The Florida Theatre adapted to include "talkies," or movies with synchronized sound, which revolutionized the film industry. The theatre continued to be a popular destination for the people of Jacksonville and rapidly gained a reputation as one of the finest venues in the Southeast.  It even had an in-house nursery where parents could leave their children while taking in a show or partying on the rooftop.

During this period an important job at the theatre was that of a motion picture technician.  It is believed that one man who held this position, Doc Crowther, so loved The Florida Theatre that he still hangs around long after his death.  Over the years several staff members have felt his presence in the projection booth. 

In 1997 a psychic consultant to a Public Television production claims that she actually spoke to the ghost.  He refused to give his name and said that he wanted to be called “J” for Joy because of the joy that the theatre brings him.  He also said that he was there to protect Joe Collier, a name unfamiliar to the psychic, who turned out to be the building’s maintenance manager.  Over the years, those who claim to have interacted with “J” say that he is a friendly and gentle soul, happy to share his cherished theatre with others.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the theatre hosted performances by some of the biggest names in show business including Frank Sinatra. Additionally, during World War II, the theater played a crucial role in boosting morale by presenting free shows for servicemen and women.

The theatre also played an important role in the civil rights movement in Jacksonville. In 1960, Nat King Cole performed at the venue. He was informed that he should not use the front entrance or the dressing rooms as those were for whites only.  However, after refusing to perform under those conditions, the Florida Theatre changed its policy. From that day forward African-American performers were allowed full access to the venue.

Another significant performance was Elvis Presley's two night six show engagement on August 10 and 11, 1956.  Elvis (who would appear on the Ed Sullivan show two weeks later) stopped at the theater toward the conclusion of a nineteen city tour.  Elvis was already making waves across the nation, leaving a trail of screaming fans (mostly teenaged girls) in his wake. 

The city of Jacksonville, concerned for the safety and moral well being of its young women let it be known that they would not tolerate the sexually suggestive gyrations that were Elvis’ trademark.  Arrest warrants were prepared in advance.  Elvis was summoned to the judge’s chambers where he was told that the warrants would be executed if Elvis exhibited untoward behavior on stage.

On the night of the performance, several Jacksonville police officers stood between the stage and the fans. While, in the end, Elvis’ moves that night did not cause him to be arrested, he did signal his displeasure about the warning he received by raising and wiggling his index finger in the direction of the judge, who was sitting in the back row.

Throughout all this time people reported unusual activity in the building.  Lights would flicker unexpectedly.  Unexplained shadows would move across the stage.  Doors would slam even though no one was present.  The theatre gained a reputation as being indeed haunted.

The Florida Theatre faced a decline in the mid-20th century as competition from television and multiplex cinemas started to erode its popularity.  It closed on May 8, 1980.   However, the community recognized the historical significance of the venue and rallied together to save it from destruction.

In 1987, a group of concerned citizens formed the Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc., a non-profit organization committed to renovating and preserving the theater. Thanks to their efforts and the support of the local community, the theater underwent an extensive restoration, breathing new life into this architectural gem.

The restoration project aimed to maintain the original design and atmosphere while enhancing the theater's technical capabilities and modern amenities. The seating capacity was expanded to accommodate 1,900 patrons, and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems were installed to ensure exceptional experiences for both performers and audiences.

The stories of unexplained phenomena continued after the theatre reopened and in 2010 a local television show sent in a paranormal investigative team.  While filming using infrared cameras, they heard sounds and noticed some inexplicable movement in the empty balcony.  While they could not see him at the time, they later reviewed the film and saw a man sitting in Seat E2, Section 500. The SyFy Channel’s show “Fact or Fake” later visited the theatre and, using their own equipment, determined that the video could not have been falsified.

In 2020, The Florida Theatre underwent another major restoration.  As part of the project all of its seats were replaced.  The only two of the nineteen hundred that were not replaced were Seat E2, Section 500, and its companion Seat E1.  Those were sent to a factory in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they were lovingly restored.  They were then returned to the theatre and reinstalled in their original location for the spirits of Joseph Hilton, Doc Crowther or other lingering souls to enjoy.  They are known as the “Ghost Seats.”

The Ghost Seats

Today The Florida Theatre has experienced a glorious revival. It continues to be a thriving cultural venue, hosting a diverse array of events ranging from Broadway shows to stand-up comedy, classical concerts to contemporary performances, and everything in between. The theater has attracted renowned artists such as Tony Bennett, BB King, Jerry Seinfeld, Todd Rundgren and many others, solidifying its reputation as the premier live entertainment destination in Jacksonville.

The Florida Theatre is also actively involved in community initiatives. It hosts educational programs, providing opportunities for local students to engage with the arts and fostering a love for live performance. During one school tour in 2001, according to the manager, children in the balcony ran towards the projectors.  They were warned away but didn’t listen.  Suddenly all of the lights went out plunging the theatre into total darkness.  Once the children were escorted back downstairs the lights were instantly and inexplicably restored.

As the theatre celebrates its rich history, it stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of a community that recognized the importance of preserving its cultural heritage. From a glamorous movie palace to a thriving performing arts center, it has weathered the tests of time and continues to bring joy, laughter, and inspiration to those who pass through its doors. Patrons can rest assured that any spirits they may encounter mean them no harm.  They are simply there because of their love for The Florida Theatre.

Want More Northeast Florida History?  Now Available on Amazon:

South of the St. Marys River: Stories from the History of Northeast Florida

Suggested Further Reading (ad):

Historic Jacksonville Theatre Palaces, Drive-Ins and Movie Houses

Elvis Ignited: The Rise of an Icon in Florida

South of the St. Marys River: Stories from the History of Northeast Florida

Haunted Theaters: Playhouse Phantoms, Opera House Horrors, And Backstage Banshees

Florida Theatre Official Website

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