This design of the landmark Lakewood Theater was created by Lakewood Hills resident Walter Soza. Prints are available for purchase at sozadesigns.com.

Movie houses and drive-ins of yesterday bring back a rush of youthful memories. Memories of a simpler, less hectic time before farmland sold out to big business for construction of 24-screen mega-plex theaters with midnight showings and customer lines snaking toward Central Expressway. A time before popcorn was served in a bottomless KFC-sized bucket smothered in diet-wrecking fake butter.

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In my small hometown, the Murr Theater was tucked away just off the courthouse square. The entire town anxiously awaited the next movie to be displayed on the marquis. In summer 1975, I met a great white shark in that theater so horrifying I was afraid to swim all summer. I fell in love there … with handsome Robert Redford. It’s where I smoked my first and last cigarette, trying to impress a cute boy.

The floor was sticky, the chairs springy, the popcorn fresh and salty. Sometimes the film broke and melted in the middle of the movie resulting in a collective moan from the rapt audience. Part of the charm.

Historic Lakewood Theater holds a similar place in the hearts of many East Dallas folks. Exciting first date. Sweet hand-holding. A much needed summer job.

Opening day was Oct. 27, 1938. “Love Finds Andy Hardy.” Admission was 15 cents.

As the surrounding Lakewood neighborhood continues to flourish, the 100-foot Art Deco theater tower watches over Starbucks and Whole Foods, casting its colorful neon glow on the sidewalk below. Visible for miles, it now serves primarily as a concert and entertainment venue.

Like much of the immediate area, the tower suffered during the recent hail storm.  A fund has been established to help with repairs and on-going preservation. $2,100 has been raised toward the considerable insurance deductible, and more is needed. In addition to storm repairs, additional donations are always welcome to maintain this neighborhood treasure.

We should all consider giving to the preservation of this iconic tower. She has given so much to Lakewood.