Would you believe a place like this ever existed in Saline County? It can again.

UPDATE:

AS OF 2019, someone bought the palace to renovate and open two restaurants, axe throwing and b&b lofts. See the new articles by visiting www.mysaline.com/?s=PALACE.

Palace Theater c. 1919 from Saline County History and Heritage

Look at this stage.

Would you believe a place like this ever existed in Saline County? It did and it’s still here at 224 West South Street in historic downtown Benton. There’s a reason it was called The Palace. With a huge tall ceiling and intricate detail in the decor, it was a sight to see even before a show began. Local residents saw silent films and vaudeville shows in this place. We’d like to see it rise again for movies, concerts, weddings and other social gatherings.

The City of Benton owns the property and on August 17th, 2015 , they will either put a wrecking ball to it OR… they will hand it over to an organization that will bring it up to code and put it to use. Friends of the Palace Theatre is that organization and wants to restore it to glory. If we’re to call this area “historic downtown Benton,” then let’s keep the history in it.

The organization needs donations immediately to pay for engineering, insurance and roof repairs. I’m on the board of this organization and each of us has given of our own money, but we can’t do it without your help. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, so it is a tax-deductible donation.

You can donate to the Friends of the Palace Theater:

In person at any
First Security Bank location in Arkansas
Online at
SaveThePalace.org/donate.html
Mail a check to
Friends of the Palace Theatre, Inc., PO BOX 307, Bryant, AR 72089

Please give as big or small as you can, and please SHARE this with your friends. Thank You.

This photo is an overlay of today’s arched structure, with the 1919 structure’s attributes. SeeSaveThePalace.org/storiespictures.html for more old pictures of this treasure.
Like our Facebook page at Facebook.com/PalaceTheatre