The Jefferson Theater opened on January 15, 1905 as it showcased its first production, a burlesque comedy called ‘Hoity-Toity’.
Originally established as a venue for live acts and motion pictures, a new Jefferson Theater would later be built next door and the original building would become the Azalea Theater. Downtown Lafayette was able to sustain two theaters on the same block for many years.
First movie at Jefferson Theater was a burlesque comedy called “Hoity Toity.” 
The Jefferson Theater in 1933.
The Jefferson Theater flourished for many years before falling into decline. It was demolished in 1976 to create space for a parking lot for the former First National Bank Tower (now Chase Tower).
The photos shown herein were retrieved from Craig Zimmerman’s Facebook photo album, Bygone Movie Theaters: The Jefferson and we thank him and the many other contributors of the Lafayette Memories page.