For small towns across America, the local movie theater is a vital part of the community, bringing people together, and creating a sense of shared experience. It’s a reflection of neighborhood values, artistic tastes, and historical context. In the heart of Crockett, Texas stands just such an icon – the Ritz Theater.
Originally established as an opera house in 1894, it served as an epicenter of entertainment during the era of vaudeville shows and silent films. Over its lifetime, the theater witnessed Hollywood’s Golden Age, experienced the challenge of wide-screen formats and surround sound, and faced competition from the home entertainment industry. In its heyday, the Ritz was considered a bit of a cultural hub for the city, providing many local residents with their first employment opportunities.
Although ownership and management changed over the decades, most of Crockett’s current residents remember the theater under the management of Bill Schulman, who took over operations in the 1980s. Known fondly as “The Movie Man,” Bill’s charismatic personality endeared him to patrons. Nathan Schulman, Bill’s grandson, recalls his grandfather as “…larger-than-life. When he walked into a room, people lit up. He was funny, he was silly, he was cordial. Everybody has a memory of my papaw.”
Despite its history and Schulman’s best efforts, a decrease in patronage and profitability led to the theater’s decline. Following Bill’s passing in 2013 and the subsequent death of his wife, Christine, in 2018, the Ritz Theater ceased operations. For a small town like Crockett, it was a disappointing blow, marking the end of a much-needed source of entertainment and social interaction. Although there was talk about a possible reopening, structural and cosmetic damage along with challenging economic factors made reviving the Ritz a challenge. Consequently, the building remained vacant and deteriorating, with little hope for restoration.
But in December of 2022, an anonymous donor purchased the Ritz Theater and gifted it to the Piney Woods Fine Arts Association, offering them the opportunity to restore and reopen the historic landmark.
It seems fitting that the organization was given the opportunity to bring this showcase for the arts back to life. Established in 1991, the Piney Woods Fine Arts Association (PWFAA) is dedicated to promoting and recognizing performing and visual arts to enrich the lives of the people of Houston County and surrounding areas. Each year they sponsor the ‘Signature Series’ of concerts, featuring nationally known musical guests, as well as the Houston County Youth Talent Showcase, Missoula Children’s Theater, Jim Jefferies Summer Arts Workshop, and the free Summer Concert Series every Friday in June.
Restoring an old theater is no small feat, but the PWFAA was up for the challenge. Executive Director Ann Walker discussed the renovation. “For the exterior,” Walker said, “we wanted to go back to the retro look, to the 50s and 60s. That’s how it was when we grew up, so the majority of the people today will remember how the Ritz looked back then.” Her vision was for the outside to reflect those memories while giving the interior an elegant touch.
The effort has been a labor of love. After getting bids from contractors outside the area, Walker made the decision to use local workers instead. “The other contractors just wanted to put a bandaid on it. Put some paint on the walls – just do the basics. But I decided that’s not what I wanted. I wanted it to be a showplace for Crockett.”
Initial renovations were estimated at $2 million. The T.L.L. Temple Foundation, whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for East Texans, offered a $544,000 matching grant based on the town’s ability to raise the other half. Because the grant allowed “in kind” contributions, local businesses and philanthropists played a crucial role. By contributing tools, equipment, materials, and labor, they significantly reduced the need for monetary funds while still meeting the grant’s terms.
Walker maintains oversight of the project. “The girls and I here in the office pick out every single thing from the wall colors to tile to chairs. We do everything ourselves because it’s important for us to keep this in Crockett.” She asked local metalwork artist, Robin Ogg, to create a banister for the stairs. Art, created by students from the summer arts workshop, will be framed and hung throughout the building. The high school welding team is attaching the railing on the upstairs balcony.
Jared Cravens, an area resident who specializes in neon sign restoration, offered to restore the “Ritz” sign for free. The sign itself is an iconic part of the theater. Its restoration isn’t just about preserving a piece of history. It provides a tangible link to the memories of those who grew up with the Ritz as a central part of their lives and invites new patrons to experience everything the venue has to offer.
While the building’s exterior retains its retro look, the interior is modern with new flooring, comfortable seating, accessible facilities, an updated concession area, and a modern HVAC system. Advanced lighting and sound systems will enhance the audience experience.
Walker’s hope is that the Ritz will once again become a vibrant social center in Crockett. “The theater will be a 500-seat multi-use venue that will allow for a variety of events such as dance recitals, piano recitals, children’s theater, community theater, and UIL competitions.” And of course, movies. Although, as Walker explained, the movies will be more family-friendly older offerings rather than first-run movies, which are “very expensive to stream.”
The grand opening of the Ritz was held March 28. The PWFAA hosted The Texas Tenors, Emmy award-winning musical artists, and 2022 Texas Country Music Hall of Fame inductees.
The revitalization of the Ritz Theater is a testament to the importance of preserving the town’s heritage, and serves as an inspiration to other communities, demonstrating that with passion, dedication, and collaboration, it’s possible to breathe new life into historic buildings. n
*Continued donations are welcome. Please contact Ann Walker via email at ann@pwfaa.org or call 936-544-4276 for more information.
