The Avalon Theatre in Talbot County has been known as the showplace of the Eastern Shore for the last 100 years. The theatre is regarded as one of America’s finest Art Deco theaters still in operation.

Since its inception in 1922 the theater became an important cultural hub. In its earliest days, people could attend to see vaudeville acts at the theater while the ballroom on the second floor was used for the live orchestra. Later, the Avalon became the go-to place to watch silent movies.

One of the first major renovations  that was done was to add sound to the theater. This would lead to the massive explosion in attendance.

The theater would experience many highs and lows throughout the decades. During the Depression the theater saw a huge decline in attendance so they decided to get creative. The theater started giving away colorful Depression glass and launched fun giveaways to incentivize people to buy tickets. Because of these efforts, the theater was able to stay open and survive the Depression.

For decades the Avalon was a successful movie theatre, but unfortunately closed in 1985 as attendance significantly declined due to more theaters opening and cable TV becoming popular.

In 1990, the building reopened with three restaurants and a theater that focused on community arts programming.  However, this was short-lived.  As the theater struggled financially, so too did two of the three restaurants in the building.  The theater was put up for auction in 1992 and when no bidder stepped forward, the Easton government purchased the property. The community was determined to save the important cornerstone in the heart of downtown.

The Avalon Theatre has gone through several renovations and owners throughout the decades but has since began its rapid growth as a center for performing arts and community events. The Avalon Foundation took over ownership, where they provided many necessary upgrades to give it the presence it deserves in the community.

“The Avalon Theatre is where our community convenes.  It is through shared experience that we are reminded of our common humanity and the spectacular heights to which the human spirit is capable,” Al Bond, president and CEO of the Avalon Foundation, says. “While tastes and genres change, the magic continues.”

For the full history of the Avalon Theatre and to see what events and shows are taking place see Avalon Foundation.

If you would like your county featured in Fun Facts, please get in touch with Amanda Grosskrueger at agrosskrueger@mdcounties.org.