This is a segment from the Faces of Amarillo documentary series that aired on Panhandle PBS, a television station in Amarillo, in March 1987. “Amusements” showcases the various types of fun and recreational activities Amarillo residents participated in. Viewers searching for information about dance halls, the Ladies Supper Club, and other community events in Amarillo will find this segment informative. This film was produced by Lynanlary Production and Amarillo College Television.
Opening in July 1926, the Amarillo Natatorium—commonly known as “the Nat”—was originally designed to surround an open-air community swimming pool. It became a dance palace and performance venue in 1926, after J.D. Tucker purchased the building and converted the swimming pool into a dance floor and stage. During its time as a popular musical club, the Nat hosted everyone from Duke Ellington and Harry James to Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison. After closing as a public dance hall in the 1960s, the Nat was used for concerts and community events. It was listed as part of the U.S. Route 66-Sixth Street Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
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