We turn the clock back to the 1950s

The Leach Theatre and Restaurant was once where the LUB offices sit today.

By Charlie Hutson

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- On this Throwback Thursday, we remember Thursday, May 3, 1951. On this date in Lafollette history, Nolan and Helen Leach opened their third theatre in Lafollette.

This one is bigger and better than the first two. The Leach Theatre, located at the corner of North Tennessee Avenue and Aspen  Street was way ahead of its time. This was a totally new idea at that time, and not only was it a theatre, but there was a restaurant in the same building.

After leaving the movie or before going you could dine at the restaurant and then ease down the hallway to enter the theatre.

The theatre seated 800, and you could enjoy the movie in air-conditioned comfort. Added to that experience, you were watching the movie on the 

Cyclaramic screen, the very latest technology in movie theatre screens.

The opening night movie was “The Furies”. It was an American Western film and starred Barbara Stanwyck.

Where do I park, you ask? No problem. There was plenty of parking along the front and at the back of the theatre. Today, this location is the home of LUB, the theatre building was razed as part of Lafollette’s Urban Renewal in the 1960s and early 70s. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-03/13/2025-6AM)

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