Leeds Theater
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As you drive down Main Street in downtown Winchester your eyes will be captivated by the flashing lights of this historical theater. Some eighty years ago it hosted first dates as well inspired many childhood dreams. Clark County citizens may take the historical beauty for granted, but to newcomers it is an illumination of beauty.
Today as you enter the Leeds Center for the Arts through the multi-colored foyer, you will find entertainment of differents varieties. Included are local performances, community meetings, national touring productions and concerts that will mesmerize is audience.
However, the the theater didn't always host plays, musicals and concerts. In the beginning, the theater was one of Winchester's first movie houses. The theater was purchased by S.D. Lee, President of the Winchester Amusement Company on May 12, 1925 and opened with a movie called "The Crowded Hour" starring BeBe Daniels. People came from all the arouund the area for a mere admission price of 25 cents for adults and 10 cents for children to enjoy this magical movie. The "Leeds Theater" was later named in a contest after its first owner S.D Lee, by rearranging the letter of his name.
Though the years Clark County residents were able to enjoy many childhood memories,until the decline in both attendance and general upkeep of the theater closed its doors in 1986. Shortly after, several residents formed the Winchester Council for the Arts and began a fundraising event to restore the theater to its original appearance. The theater reopened in 1990 as the "Leeds Center for the Arts" with new equipment, a larger stage and original paint color scheme of 1925. Through the endless efforts and generous hearts of our community, the rainbow colored marquee shines brightly and the theater is one of Clark County's timeless treasures today. May the community always preserve the regard the "Leeds Theater" as a place of entertainment and beauty for future generations.
