Built in 1921, at the cost of $100,000, The Avalon Theatre immediately became, as one newspaper reporter proclaimed, the "Showplace of the Eastern Shore." Visually spectacular, another newspaper reporter made the bold statement that "no house in the South will compare with all its detail." That detail included leaded glass doors at every theater entrance, an 18-foot dome with 148 lights, a 300 pipe electric-pneumatic organ, an electric player piano, and a ballroom on the second floor.
The Schine Theatre Chain purchased the Theatre in 1934 and completely refitted the building. Schine closed the ballroom, and redesigned the theater with an Art Deco theme that still stands today. In the process of the makeover, the theater lost many of its accoutrements in favor of the Art Deco theme, but its reputation as a movie house grew quickly. Generations of Eastern Shore movie-goers saw Clark Gable's first screen kiss, Bette Davis' first psychotic role, and Roy Rogers' first gunfight at the Avalon. Three world premieres took place at the Avalon including "The First Kiss" starring Gary Cooper and Fay Wray, which was filmed in Easton and St. Michaels.
The Avalon's standing as Easton's premier movie house ended in 1985 after a 64-year run. Suffering from mildew, cracks in the walls, stained carpeting and rickety seats, the Avalon closed in 1985.
During the Easton mayoralty of George Murphy, renovations began in late 1987. Finished in 1989, the Avalon was restored and upgraded to a performing arts center, retaining its proscenium stage, domed ceiling, and acoustics.
The Theatre did not immediately thrive following the renovations, however. Following the 1.36 million dollar makeover, the Theatre was sold to the Mid-Shore Center for the Performing Arts, which was unsuccessful in managing it profitably. In order to save the Theatre, it was repurchased at auction in 1992 by its sole bidder, the Town of Easton.
After intensive discussion and analysis by a planning group, the town decided to turn the operation over to a non-profit corporation, its board of trustees and professional management. In 1994, the town entered a lease agreement with the Avalon Foundation, Inc., founded by John and Ellen General. According to the Avalon Foundation the theatre then began rapid growth as a center for the performing arts and community events.[1]
