billed it as the largest sound stage east of Los Angeles. In 1953, the Newtons began renovating the facility as an art center, "bringing in a lifetime of art treasures from around the world." The Newton’s designed rooms devoted to the countries from whence their art objects were acquired. Destroyed by fire The building burned to the ground on April 19, 1953 in what was called "the most spectacular fire in western Dallas County." Artwork valued at about $1 million (at that time) was lost in the fire, which included 45 paintings of the Hungarian artist Armand Grotz, a Gainsborough and a Van Dyck. Other valuable contents included furniture, Oriental furnishings — especially Japanese and Chinese — many tapestries, drapes, and scores of rugs termed priceless as they were made by hand. The Newtons sold the 14-acre lot in 1956 for $125,000. Notable performers Phil Phillips and His 14 Californians (1929) Smith–MacDowell Orchestra (1929) Alvin Wahl and His Bagdad Colored Orchestra (1930) Vincent (Jelly) Parrino (1997–1990) and His Orchestra (1933) Gus Heilig and His Orchestra (1933 & 1934) Isham Jones (1935) Ben Bernie (1935) Jack Little (1935) Lou Harris and His Orchestra (1935) Ike Silver (1936) Glen Gray and His Casa Loma Band (1945) Durwood Cline and His Orchestra (1945) Charlie Carl and His Orchestra (1948) Dude Ranch Buckaroos (1948) Earle Spencer and His Orchestra (1948) Chet Bundy (1949) Morrey Brennan and His Brennan–Aires (1950) See also List of supper clubs References Buildings and structures in Grand Prairie, Texas Defunct nightclubs in Texas Dance venues in the United States Former music venues in the United States History of Texas 1928 establishments in Texas Burned buildings and structures in the United States Music venues in Texas 1953 disestablishments in Texas Buildings and structures demolished in 1953 Supper clubs