This mural was destroyed by Hurricane “Charley” on August 13, 2004. For the current status on the re-creation of this mural, please visit our web site at www.puntagordamurals.com.

The old movie theater in Punta Gorda was located in the downtown area on Marion Ave.  In its heyday the theater could seat about 300 people.  It was built around 1919 by the Jordan brothers, Vernon and Julian.  Shortly thereafter, Harry Goldstein and Emmett Perkins bought the movie house.  In the late 1920’s it was sold to Fred House who did some renovations to accommodate the “talkies” that arrived in late 1929.

In 1936, L.V. Desguin bought the theater and made many improvements inside and out.  A new marquis gave the theater a new name, “New Theatre.”  Air conditioning and new seats were installed.  Refreshments and a new popcorn machine were managed by Desguin’s son, Victor (Vic) who went into partnership with his cousin Freddie Mullen.  They formed Des-Mul Confectionary Co. which established popcorn machines in about five Central Florida movie theaters.  Admission to see a movie was 9 cents for children and 35 cents for adults.

In 1958, L.V. and son Vic Desguin purchased a Charlotte Harbor drive-in theater.  Following that, New Theatre began to phase out and closed in late 1962.  In 1964, fire destroyed the building used for storage at the time.

During the racial segregation years Desguin opened an additional theater for African-Americans at the corner of Charlotte Ave. and Milus St. in East Punta Gorda.  Young Vic and Freddie would bicycle the reels from New Theatre to the east side theater once films were shown downtown.  The balcony in New Theatre was for smoking and adults only.  Frequently occupied by boys and girls interested in necking and smoking rather than watching the movie, young Vic occasionally interrupted them, as did some fathers looking for their daughters.