One of our chapter's missions is to partner with the Norman Studios Restoration Project.

The Norman Studios are located in the Arlington Area of Jacksonville, between Rogero Rd. and Cesery Blvd. on Arlington Rd.  Richard Norman established the studio in the 1920's and produced many films there including "The Flying Ace".  Norman was known for creating films for the African American community and was one of the few studios to portray African Americans in roles other than as slaves, natives and other poor stereo types.  Richard Norman portrayed his stars as Doctors, Lawyers, Pilots and even did a movie about an African American Cowboy.

The Norman Studios are thought to be the only "Silent Film Era" studios still standing.  All five buildings are still in the same location.  Four of the buildings are projected to begin external renovation before the end of 2006.  The fifth building was renovated within the last few years and is currently the home of an Arlington Church.  The Restoration Board is in negotiations with the membership of the church to purchase the building and the grounds located immediately behind it.  On the land is the pool used in the filming of the "Horse That Jumps Into The Pool".  The pool is currently filled in, but it is in the plans to excavate the pool during the restoration process.

The Norman Studios Restoration Board plans to turn the property into a Museum and Community Center.  Once restoration is completed they hope to have summer film camps for at risk youth.  The plan is to have these young people team with local film professionals and produce short films. 

On February 8th, The Jacksonville Chapter along with Devan Stuart of the Norman Restoration Board and State Film Commissioner Paul Sirmons toured the property.  Below are pictures from that tour.  As restoration proceeds, I will update this page so we can have a history of the saving of this Jacksonville landmark.

The Norman Studios as they were February 8th, 2006

July 21, 2007: Recently the Norman Studios began undergoing restoration and renovation.  Steve Philips provided the pictures of the progress at the bottom of the page.  To go right to them click HERE

There are 21 pictures on this page.

Only a few short years ago, Gloria Norman, a descendant of Richard Norman, used the old residence building as a dance school and studio.

This is a view of the Rogero side of the residence building.  Note the small ledge on the top of the building, this may have been used to film scenes around the pool area.

This was the Generator Building.  It is said that one of the original
generators used is still located in side.

The building in the center of this photograph was the Make-up and changing bungalow.  It also housed the studios general store where the actors and crew could purchase various sundries.

This is a rear view of the building that was recently renovated.  It was used as the soundstage back in the day.  The field is the location of the buried pool, probably about where the palm shadow falls.

A utility shed added during the renovation of the soundstage building.

The rear of the residence building.  The building was home for the
Norman family and also served as the business offices.

Another shot of the generator building.

Another shot of the Costuming, Make-up, Changing and General Store building.

The general store building from another angle.

This is a corner view of the Prop Storage Building.

The front view of the Soundstage Building that has been
renovated and is currently being used as a church.

The interior of the Soundstage Building. 
The people from the church did an outstanding job renovating.

Paul Sirmons, Art Riccio on a tour of the Soundstage Building.

A view of the Residence building from next to the Soundstage building.

Another view of the General Store building from next to the Soundstage building.

Pictures of Renovation in Progress

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Last modified: 05/18/09