In A Newport Minute | 1936-1945

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This video is the 17th in our series, In A Newport Minute, created by the Newport Historical Society as part of Newport’s contribution to America Turns 250. Each installment highlights a moment in American history within a ten‑year span, beginning in 1776 and continuing to the present day.

Across these 25 short videos, we’ll explore how Newport grew, adapted, and evolved alongside the nation—sometimes in step with national events, sometimes in its own unique way. Our goal is to bring local history to life and show how our community’s story fits into the larger American narrative.

We invite you to follow along every two weeks as we share new chapters in Newport’s past.

Overview

This video chronicles the history and cultural significance of Newport’s Latchis Theater, tracing its opening in 1949 through design details, community role, and eventual decline. It highlights architectural features, capacity, and amenities that made the theater a central entertainment venue for mid-century movie-goers.

The narrative contrasts older residents’ memories of earlier local theaters with younger generations’ limited knowledge, recounting key events like the 1965 Newport House fire, the theater’s reopening, closure in 1980, and demolition in 1984, leaving a parking lot in its place.

All of the videos in the series can be viewed using the link below:

Sources & Credits:

• Cinema Treasures: Newport Cinema (Latchis Theatre)
• Cinema Treasures: Newport Cinema (Coniston Theatre)
• Cinema Treasures: Newport Cinema (Empire Theatre)
• Richards Free Library Digital Archives
• 1998 Newport Town Report – Significant Fires
• Newport Historical Society Archives
• The Greeks of Newport by Helen Coidakis Stamos
  

Key Words:

Latchis Theater, Newport, Park Street, Newport House, Empire Theater, Coniston Theater, Peter Latchis, Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Checkers, Thomas Carrigan, Christmas night 1965, drive-in theaters, Main Street, municipal parking lot

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