This is a public meeting, so please invite your friends and share, share this event! We need as many people as possible helping to save this historic icon in downtown Benton!

7pm Tuesday, July 18, Saline Courier bldg, 2nd floor in the meeting room. 321 N Market St, Benton 

Like the Save The Palace Facebook page

More details:

https://www.mysaline.com/page/palace-theatre-on-mysaline

Palace Theater c. 1919 from Saline County History and Heritage

Built in 1919, the Palace Theatre has hosted many arts & events

The first film showed there in March 1920. It was also a house for vaudeville & burlesque. In the 50s and 60s, it was an activity center for teens and its final use was for many years as the Saline County Library. The building is owned by the City of Benton. The Palace has been allowed it to fall into disrepair by not fixing the roof. The city is willing to hear from organizations that wish to take over the building. There’s only one, Friends of the Palace Theatre, Inc., but the deadline has been shortened by a month and the city has given only very limited access to the building to assess the needs. I’m trying to help by sharing the story wherever I can. – The Facebook page is www.facebook.com/palacetheatre. – The website is www.savethepalace.org and then is a Donate page there.

This is an archive photo of the original stage and seating.

Palace Theater c. 1919 from Saline County History and Heritage

The theatre held 1,000 seats prior to a stricter fire code. The Depression and Prohibition made it a difficult venture for the several owners. Friends of the Palace Theatre, Inc. proposes bringing it back to life as an arts and social venue for films, concerts, comedy shows, weddings and other social & life events.

This piece of history deserves more light and public consideration.

– The Facebook page is www.facebook.com/palacetheatre. – The website is www.savethepalace.org and then is a Donate page there.