Photographer Benita VanWinkle Documents 1,200 Historic American Movie Theaters
For over four decades, photographer Benita VanWinkle has been chronicling vintage American movie theaters through her initiative 'Please Remain Standing,' capturing more than 1,200 theaters across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. This project commenced in 1982 with the Carib Theatre in Clearwater, Florida, which was torn down in 1985. Scheduled for release on September 1, 2026, by Bauer and Dean Publishers, her upcoming book is titled 'America's Hometown Movie Theaters.' In 1930, the U.S. boasted approximately 22,000 theaters, but by 2024, that number had dwindled to just 2,007. VanWinkle, who holds an MFA from Southern Illinois University and is an associate professor at High Point University, has been supported by her husband Phil Norman for 37 years.
Key facts
- Benita VanWinkle has photographed over 1,200 American movie theaters since 1982.
- Her project 'Please Remain Standing' covers all 50 states and DC.
- The Carib Theatre in Clearwater, Florida, was her first subject and was demolished in 1985.
- Her book 'America's Hometown Movie Theaters' is due September 1, 2026 from Bauer and Dean Publishers.
- The US had 22,000 movie theaters in 1930; only 2,007 remained in 2024.
- VanWinkle switched to color photography at Southern Illinois University on advice from professor Charles Swedlund.
- She is associate professor of art at High Point University in North Carolina.
- Her husband Phil Norman has assisted her for 37 years.
Entities
Artists
- Benita VanWinkle
- Edward Francis Sinnott Sr.
- Charles Swedlund
- Phil Norman
- Etta Moten
- William Franklin
- Rex Ingram
- George Cukor
- George Lefont
- Kristina Smith
- Carl Beard
- Mary Beard
- Fred H. Starck
- Harvey D. English
- Earl Q. Benbow
- Percy A. Boone
- Mel C. Glatz
- Carl Boller
- Robert O. Boller
- Kirby Snyder
- Guy L. Frazer
- Otto H. Thorman
- George Harwell Bond
- James E. Casale
- S. Charles Lee
- Clarence
Institutions
- High Point University
- Southern Illinois University
- Bauer and Dean Publishers
- Smithsonian Magazine
- National Register of Historic Places
- Doña Ana Arts Council
- City of Las Cruces
- Plaza Theatre Foundation
- Central Theatres Corporation of Denver
- WPAQ
- Grand Ole Opry
- Eva Jessye Choir
Locations
- Clearwater
- Florida
- United States
- Richmond
- Virginia
- Mount Airy
- North Carolina
- Las Cruces
- New Mexico
- Cheyenne
- Wyoming
- Fort Collins
- Colorado
- Nebraska
- Atlanta
- Georgia
- Callicoon
- New York
- Sullivan County
- Wadena
- Minnesota
- Ponca City
- Oklahoma
- Lewellen
- Largo
- Daytona Beach
- Illinois
- Denver