Dallas Trip #4: Historic Fort Worth: Historic Shoe Store and Famous Majestic Theatre

 Today's blog continues the tour of historic downtown Fort Worth, Texas. Two of the buildings are an historic shoe store and an old theatre. Both maintain their appearance as they did when they were constructed. You'll learn about them, and why we went to Fort Worth instead of staying in Dallas. You may be surprised. 

THE HISTORIC SHOE STORE - This is an example of early 20th-century architecture in Fort Worth. The original interior is intact. For many years, it was the home of Solomon's Juvenile Shoe Store. Today, the Red Goose Saloon occupies both floors of the early Fort Worth retail structure- but the outside was kept historically intact.

 This is a prime location for a restaurant/bar because it is situated in a retail strip just south of the Renaissance Worthington Hotel and next door to Reata at Sundance Square. 

(Photo: Rob and Alex pause across from the historic shoe store)

WHY FORT WORTH INSTEAD OF DALLAS?  The reason my friend Alex suggested Fort Worth over Dallas, where I was staying was that the only "big" attraction was the site where President Kennedy was assassinated, and that was far too negative for me. If you google "things to do in Dallas" - the top 5 are all tied into that event. Alex said there was much more in Fort Worth and there was!  

THE MAJESTIC THEATRE & ITS CLAIM TO HOLLYWOOD FAME - This theatre is long gone, but we saw the historic marker for it because of its claim to fame.  This 1910 theatre was also the site where Ginger Rogers (known for dancing with Fred Astaire in many films) won a dance contest- that started her film career! 

   Located at the corner of Commerce Street and E. 10th Street, the Majestic Theatre opened on November 28, 1911. It was refurbished and reopened on May 24, 1940. The theatre closed in 1953 and was demolished in 1970.