That detail included leaded glass doors at every theater entrance, an 18-foot dome with 148 lights, a 300 pipe electric-pneumatic organ, an electric player piano, and a ballroom on the second floor.

In the process of the makeover, the theater lost many of its accoutrements in favor of the Art Deco theme, but its reputation as a movie house grew quickly.

Generations of Eastern Shore movie-goers saw Clark Gable's first screen kiss, Bette Davis' first psychotic role, and Roy Rogers' first gunfight at the Avalon.

Three world premieres took place at the Avalon including "The First Kiss" starring Gary Cooper and Fay Wray, which was filmed in Easton and St. Michaels.

After intensive discussion and analysis by a planning group, the town decided to turn the operation over to a non-profit corporation, its board of trustees and professional management.