Just wanted to say I hope everyone had a great Christmas, and I hope your New Year is even better……I have a feeling the 25th Street Theatre will be having a great 2006 ….hint, hint.
Hello everyone!! I would first like to apologize for my own absense, but as a few of you know I have left Waco, and Texas once again to pursue a life in Denver Colorado. If anyone has ever lived in Waco then they can understand why I needed to leave. As for the 25th Street Theatre…..well as I have said before and over and over again, there is something in the works to bring the ole gal back to her former glory. I am still in contact with the folks working on it and when the ball gets rolling will still be very much apart of the process.
Rob-Bob ….where on earth have you been? We have all been worried.
I can understand your grief, because I went through my own for about 7 years after that tragic event. But one day I realized one of Richards favorite sayings was “quit living in the past”, you know what, once again even in death he was right. Remember that you always still have all of the old gang from the 25th as your friends so technically YOU WILL NEVER BE ALONE.
Now if I can ask a favor of all of you, and I will do the same, Everyone should write a letter to the editor of the Waco Tribune-Herald, stating the importance that the theatre has had on our lives, and also the impact it has had on the city of Waco itself. In my opinion the more people show an interest the easier it will be to save it.
The fight is far from over.
Til next time,
Jake
Hello everyone!! I would first like to apologize for my own absense, but as a few of you know I have left Waco, and Texas once again to pursue a life in Denver Colorado. If anyone has ever lived in Waco then they can understand why I needed to leave. As for the 25th Street Theatre…..well as I have said before and over and over again, there is something in the works to bring the ole gal back to her former glory. I am still in contact with the folks working on it and when the ball gets rolling will still be very much apart of the process.
Rob-Bob ….where on earth have you been? We have all been worried.
I can understand your grief, because I went through my own for about 7 years after that tragic event. But one day I realized one of Richards favorite sayings was “quit living in the past”, you know what, once again even in death he was right. Remember that you always still have all of the old gang from the 25th as your friends so technically YOU WILL NEVER BE ALONE.
Now if I can ask a favor of all of you, and I will do the same, Everyone should write a letter to the editor of the Waco Tribune-Herald, stating the importance that the theatre has had on our lives, and also the impact it has had on the city of Waco itself. In my opinion the more people show an interest the easier it will be to save it.
The fight is far from over.
Til next time,
Jake
Hello everyone!! I would first like to apologize for my own absense, but as a few of you know I have left Waco, and Texas once again to pursue a life in Denver Colorado. If anyone has ever lived in Waco then they can understand why I needed to leave. As for the 25th Street Theatre…..well as I have said before and over and over again, there is something in the works to bring the ole gal back to her former glory. I am still in contact with the folks working on it and when the ball gets rolling will still be very much apart of the process.
Rob-Bob ….where on earth have you been? We have all been worried.
I can understand your grief, because I went through my own for about 7 years after that tragic event. But one day I realized one of Richards favorite sayings was “quit living in the past”, you know what, once again even in death he was right. Remember that you always still have all of the old gang from the 25th as your friends so technically YOU WILL NEVER BE ALONE.
Now if I can ask a favor of all of you, and I will do the same, Everyone should write a letter to the editor of the Waco Tribune-Herald, stating the importance that the theatre has had on our lives, and also the impact it has had on the city of Waco itself. In my opinion the more people show an interest the easier it will be to save it.
The fight is far from over.
Til next time,
Jake
Hey everyone …..Sorry its been awhile.
Things are moving along slowly with the theatre but like the old saying goes ROME WASNT BUILT IN A DAY…..so be patient…
Kenna give me a call…254-723-2227.
Robert Bob…..Mr. Olsens only involvement is letting us take over and get something done, which is more than anyone else has tried to do.
Melanie Kirby…..Didnt we go to school together?
Does the Garde still do the classic movies during the summer? When I lived in the New London area from 2000-2003, they used to do a summer Classic movies night. The interior of this theatre is absolutely beautiful. Is anything being done to the Capitol?
Oh My God!!! Big Richard how in the hell are you doing? I hope all is well with you. All is good with me.
I have returned to Waco and found out the status of the 25th, and with luck have met Mr. Olsen and another man who is trying to get things done. So far the progress is going good, but tons more needs to be done. Please email me at
Yes the sketch was still in that room against the wall, but it has been moved to a dryer spot on the stage, surprisingly its the driest area of the theatre….the rest of the upstairs is a complete mess. Lots of water damage from the roof leaking over the years. The brunt of the water damage is in the auditorium. The mural is pretty much gone. As is the plaster which has collapsed all the way down to the brick. Several spots on the ceiling the plaster has fallen. But the roof is still in one piece, and is in no danger of going anywhere as is the rest of the structure. As I mentioned on April 30, 2004: there is something in the works and I am proud to be apart of it, but am limited on what I can let “leak” out.
That facade is a mistake…the picture of in cinema tour is a picture of the Hollywood Video on the opposite end of the block to where the Lake Air Cinema sat. What i meant by “inverted” roof is that the ceiling and roof were somewhat higher at the screen and slopped downward towards the front of the building.
Mr. Miller, I am deeply touched by your comment. Please contact me ASAP, I need someone like you that has as much love and appreciation for this as me to join my team and get something done.
or
what is your email info edward and i’ll send you Mr. Olsen’s address.
I will be writing a letter to him myself in an effort to get him to either sell it or Donate it, possibly to myself, then start a fund-raiser to at least get it back up to code, then go from there.
My intentions for it would be for private functions, plays, pageants, reunions, etc, then possibly branching out in other areas.
Everyone I have told my ideas to think it would work but there is only one problem…….The Buildings ownership.
Here is updated information on what I first posted.
The 25th Street Theatre opened in November of 1945, the first movie to be played was “Thrill of a Romance”, with Van Johnson & Esther Williams. Admission was 40 cents on Friday and Saturday Nights,30 cents for weekday matinees and 12 cents for children all the time.
Interstate Theatres built and operated it.
It contained 780 seats but after 2 screen enlargements dropped the number down to 646, not the 900 that I originaly posted, that was the occupancy rating when it was a club.
When she opened in 45, she was considered the “NEWEST AND MOST MODERN OF ITS KIND”, complete with aircondtioning & state of the art sound equipment.
The Charioteers Mural that adore the Theatre walls were designed by Eugene Gilbo.
Some of the movies that played there include, STAR WARS, GONE WITH THE WIND (rereleased in the 60s), OLD YELLER (which held Waco attendance records for many years and still might), and BAMBI (the LAST film played there when it closed as a theatre in July 1982).
I am trying to compile as much Historical data on this building and then present it to the City Of Waco and try to get it designated as a Landmark, in an effort to stop demoltion.
my email is
This Theatre should set an example to corperate america what to do with vacant movie palaces. Instead of tearing them, down, reinvent them with a concept like a bookstore, cafe, dinner theatre, etc.
Happy New Year!!!!
This Theatre will not be demolished.
Just wanted to say I hope everyone had a great Christmas, and I hope your New Year is even better……I have a feeling the 25th Street Theatre will be having a great 2006 ….hint, hint.
Hello everyone!! I would first like to apologize for my own absense, but as a few of you know I have left Waco, and Texas once again to pursue a life in Denver Colorado. If anyone has ever lived in Waco then they can understand why I needed to leave. As for the 25th Street Theatre…..well as I have said before and over and over again, there is something in the works to bring the ole gal back to her former glory. I am still in contact with the folks working on it and when the ball gets rolling will still be very much apart of the process.
Rob-Bob ….where on earth have you been? We have all been worried.
I can understand your grief, because I went through my own for about 7 years after that tragic event. But one day I realized one of Richards favorite sayings was “quit living in the past”, you know what, once again even in death he was right. Remember that you always still have all of the old gang from the 25th as your friends so technically YOU WILL NEVER BE ALONE.
Now if I can ask a favor of all of you, and I will do the same, Everyone should write a letter to the editor of the Waco Tribune-Herald, stating the importance that the theatre has had on our lives, and also the impact it has had on the city of Waco itself. In my opinion the more people show an interest the easier it will be to save it.
The fight is far from over.
Til next time,
Jake
Hello everyone!! I would first like to apologize for my own absense, but as a few of you know I have left Waco, and Texas once again to pursue a life in Denver Colorado. If anyone has ever lived in Waco then they can understand why I needed to leave. As for the 25th Street Theatre…..well as I have said before and over and over again, there is something in the works to bring the ole gal back to her former glory. I am still in contact with the folks working on it and when the ball gets rolling will still be very much apart of the process.
Rob-Bob ….where on earth have you been? We have all been worried.
I can understand your grief, because I went through my own for about 7 years after that tragic event. But one day I realized one of Richards favorite sayings was “quit living in the past”, you know what, once again even in death he was right. Remember that you always still have all of the old gang from the 25th as your friends so technically YOU WILL NEVER BE ALONE.
Now if I can ask a favor of all of you, and I will do the same, Everyone should write a letter to the editor of the Waco Tribune-Herald, stating the importance that the theatre has had on our lives, and also the impact it has had on the city of Waco itself. In my opinion the more people show an interest the easier it will be to save it.
The fight is far from over.
Til next time,
Jake
Hello everyone!! I would first like to apologize for my own absense, but as a few of you know I have left Waco, and Texas once again to pursue a life in Denver Colorado. If anyone has ever lived in Waco then they can understand why I needed to leave. As for the 25th Street Theatre…..well as I have said before and over and over again, there is something in the works to bring the ole gal back to her former glory. I am still in contact with the folks working on it and when the ball gets rolling will still be very much apart of the process.
Rob-Bob ….where on earth have you been? We have all been worried.
I can understand your grief, because I went through my own for about 7 years after that tragic event. But one day I realized one of Richards favorite sayings was “quit living in the past”, you know what, once again even in death he was right. Remember that you always still have all of the old gang from the 25th as your friends so technically YOU WILL NEVER BE ALONE.
Now if I can ask a favor of all of you, and I will do the same, Everyone should write a letter to the editor of the Waco Tribune-Herald, stating the importance that the theatre has had on our lives, and also the impact it has had on the city of Waco itself. In my opinion the more people show an interest the easier it will be to save it.
The fight is far from over.
Til next time,
Jake
Hey everyone …..Sorry its been awhile.
Things are moving along slowly with the theatre but like the old saying goes ROME WASNT BUILT IN A DAY…..so be patient…
Kenna give me a call…254-723-2227.
Robert Bob…..Mr. Olsens only involvement is letting us take over and get something done, which is more than anyone else has tried to do.
Melanie Kirby…..Didnt we go to school together?
the website is temporarily down due to conflicts with my carrier……..it will be back up and running as soon as possible.
Does the Garde still do the classic movies during the summer? When I lived in the New London area from 2000-2003, they used to do a summer Classic movies night. The interior of this theatre is absolutely beautiful. Is anything being done to the Capitol?
Oh My God!!! Big Richard how in the hell are you doing? I hope all is well with you. All is good with me.
I have returned to Waco and found out the status of the 25th, and with luck have met Mr. Olsen and another man who is trying to get things done. So far the progress is going good, but tons more needs to be done. Please email me at
Yes the sketch was still in that room against the wall, but it has been moved to a dryer spot on the stage, surprisingly its the driest area of the theatre….the rest of the upstairs is a complete mess. Lots of water damage from the roof leaking over the years. The brunt of the water damage is in the auditorium. The mural is pretty much gone. As is the plaster which has collapsed all the way down to the brick. Several spots on the ceiling the plaster has fallen. But the roof is still in one piece, and is in no danger of going anywhere as is the rest of the structure. As I mentioned on April 30, 2004: there is something in the works and I am proud to be apart of it, but am limited on what I can let “leak” out.
That facade is a mistake…the picture of in cinema tour is a picture of the Hollywood Video on the opposite end of the block to where the Lake Air Cinema sat. What i meant by “inverted” roof is that the ceiling and roof were somewhat higher at the screen and slopped downward towards the front of the building.
SOMETHING MAJOR IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN, AND IT ISNT DEMOLITION…..I WILL KEEP EVERYONE POSTED AS EVENTS UNFOLD.
NEW WEBSITE SET UP DEVOTED ENTIRELY TO THIS THEATRE
www.25thstreettheatrewaco.org
NEW WEBSITE DEDICATED TO THE PRESERVATION OF THIS THEATRE
http://25thstreettheatrewaco.org/
probably a link to a OPERA HOUSE Website
AMEN Charles
Beautiful Interior
Mr. Miller, I am deeply touched by your comment. Please contact me ASAP, I need someone like you that has as much love and appreciation for this as me to join my team and get something done.
or
http://hometown.aol.com/savethe25th/index.html
what is your email info edward and i’ll send you Mr. Olsen’s address.
I will be writing a letter to him myself in an effort to get him to either sell it or Donate it, possibly to myself, then start a fund-raiser to at least get it back up to code, then go from there.
My intentions for it would be for private functions, plays, pageants, reunions, etc, then possibly branching out in other areas.
Everyone I have told my ideas to think it would work but there is only one problem…….The Buildings ownership.
hey trina … remember downtown was a dump before they restored the HIPPODROME.
i have started a webpage devoted to it, heres the link
http://hometown.aol.com/savethe25th/index.html
can the people who restored the Hippodrome restore the 25th Street Theatre?
Here is updated information on what I first posted.
The 25th Street Theatre opened in November of 1945, the first movie to be played was “Thrill of a Romance”, with Van Johnson & Esther Williams. Admission was 40 cents on Friday and Saturday Nights,30 cents for weekday matinees and 12 cents for children all the time.
Interstate Theatres built and operated it.
It contained 780 seats but after 2 screen enlargements dropped the number down to 646, not the 900 that I originaly posted, that was the occupancy rating when it was a club.
When she opened in 45, she was considered the “NEWEST AND MOST MODERN OF ITS KIND”, complete with aircondtioning & state of the art sound equipment.
The Charioteers Mural that adore the Theatre walls were designed by Eugene Gilbo.
Some of the movies that played there include, STAR WARS, GONE WITH THE WIND (rereleased in the 60s), OLD YELLER (which held Waco attendance records for many years and still might), and BAMBI (the LAST film played there when it closed as a theatre in July 1982).
I am trying to compile as much Historical data on this building and then present it to the City Of Waco and try to get it designated as a Landmark, in an effort to stop demoltion.
my email is
This Theatre should set an example to corperate america what to do with vacant movie palaces. Instead of tearing them, down, reinvent them with a concept like a bookstore, cafe, dinner theatre, etc.
When was this theatre built?
What other uses did it have other than movies?