To have an original Eberson/atmospheric still standing in the midst of Flint is more than most communities have in their downtown areas so I vote to have this theatre restored somehow, someway! It can be done with a few good supporters and organizers. And having UM involved is an asset for the good of the cause. We’re not in the age of “urban renewal” anymore, thank goodness, so a renovation focus needs to be on this theatre!
$40 million seemed high to me, too! Though I do hope that through State grants, etc., UM can restore this theatre because…it is what it is…an Eberson/atmospheric and as you say “one of the few remaining in Michigan”.
The April 22, 2006 link doesn’t work anymore so can we confirm that this theatre was demolished? If so, the status needs to be changed from closed to demolished.
SchineHistorian: That’s wonderful….read that bit of information over on the Hamilton Theatre link. I have now sent an email to my neighbor with a marquee photo of the theatre provided on CT.
SchineHistorian: Interesting to read that the Hamilton Theatre in Hamilton NY was purchased by Colgate. I have a neighbor who graduated from that college so will have to ask him about it.
That vertical marquee with the name Don Gibson, in small writing, was not even there so it had been taken down by someone. The only marquee still there was the horizontal marquee with the words..“Now Showing…Patton”. I don’t know when that movie was shown or why it would still be up there on the marquee??
Didn’t notice that you had posted this drive-in photo almost a year ago prior to my recent follow-up post. We’re thinking along the same lines…only several months apart!
“They plan to compile a book of experiences from anyone who went to the theater. The book will be written concurrently with the restoration of the theater.”
And again, I wonder what happened to the book of Roger Theatre experiences that the town was to compile? I’m sure the 2 ladies I met at the local restaurant could contribute to that future publication…if and when the theatre gets renovated!
That’s a good question now that this Mr. Owensby has entered the illusive picture! BTW, where did you find the above quoted information? It’s interesting that the quote mentions “outdoor drive-in theaters throughout the South”. It just so happens..I was told during my visit to Shelby that the town still has a drive-in theatre outside of town though I didn’t go investigate that lead…will in March though! I learned of this drive-in information while chatting with 2 local ladies who grew up in Shelby. They were sitting at the next booth over at a local restaurant that the Mayor recommended for lunch that day…..Pleasant City Wood Fired Grill. In fact, the one lady told me that she remembers going to see the movie, Gone With The Wind at the Rogers. When I told them why I was in town that day to see the Rogers they said they’d love to see the Rogers again. I wasn’t able to tell them what time I’d be taking the tour so they weren’t able to meet me which turned out to be 4:00 that afternoon!
“I don’t think the Gibson name was up there for more than a few months, just long enough for emotions to boil to the surface. Mr. Gibson may have been alive then, but I’m not sure at all. The Rogers name that is up right now has been there all along. I think there were some photo shopped pictures around for a while as well. I believe Earl Owensby never changed the name on the marquee, but again, that is influenced by my newcomer status here.”
Wade Nichols, Executive Director Uptown Shelby Association
I think that perhaps when Mr. Gibson was still living he may have added his name to the Rogers Theatre as it was on the Rogers about 3-4 years ago when I first visited Shelby. I wondered then what “the scoop” was on that sign. So when and if the Rogers ever gets renovated the name will be ROGERS and the Don Gibson will be down Marion Street and around the corner to S. Washington.
In the recent Charlotte Observer (Feb. 13th) there is an article entitled A Gem of a Deal: Free Movies.
View link
FSBO: Yes, truly amazing as I have been to this theatre…saw and heard the famous Rosa Rio play the theatre’s organ prior to Valentine’s Day last year.
Very nice photo. I have friends who live in Normal so I’m sure they can attest to this theatre’s presence in that city.
To have an original Eberson/atmospheric still standing in the midst of Flint is more than most communities have in their downtown areas so I vote to have this theatre restored somehow, someway! It can be done with a few good supporters and organizers. And having UM involved is an asset for the good of the cause. We’re not in the age of “urban renewal” anymore, thank goodness, so a renovation focus needs to be on this theatre!
$40 million seemed high to me, too! Though I do hope that through State grants, etc., UM can restore this theatre because…it is what it is…an Eberson/atmospheric and as you say “one of the few remaining in Michigan”.
The April 22, 2006 link doesn’t work anymore so can we confirm that this theatre was demolished? If so, the status needs to be changed from closed to demolished.
SchineHistorian: That’s wonderful….read that bit of information over on the Hamilton Theatre link. I have now sent an email to my neighbor with a marquee photo of the theatre provided on CT.
My neighbor may have graduated from the Class of 1956 so will have to ask if it was his class who donated the marquee.
LM: Would love to see some interior photos of this theatre!
SchineHistorian: Interesting to read that the Hamilton Theatre in Hamilton NY was purchased by Colgate. I have a neighbor who graduated from that college so will have to ask him about it.
Corrected site for UM article.
View link
Well, thank you from this Patsy! ;)
And it’s an Eberson/atmospheric theatre! A well-worth project!
Glad to read this UM news in regards to the Capitol Theatre!
That vertical marquee with the name Don Gibson, in small writing, was not even there so it had been taken down by someone. The only marquee still there was the horizontal marquee with the words..“Now Showing…Patton”. I don’t know when that movie was shown or why it would still be up there on the marquee??
And when clicking on the name “Charles C. Benson” the only theatre that is listed is the Rogers Theatre.
Now we have to see if we can find out more information about a Charles C. Benson who supposedly was the architect for this theatre.
Didn’t notice that you had posted this drive-in photo almost a year ago prior to my recent follow-up post. We’re thinking along the same lines…only several months apart!
LM: Great photo of this drive-in that I didn’t get to see in my travels to Shelby last week.
“They plan to compile a book of experiences from anyone who went to the theater. The book will be written concurrently with the restoration of the theater.”
And again, I wonder what happened to the book of Roger Theatre experiences that the town was to compile? I’m sure the 2 ladies I met at the local restaurant could contribute to that future publication…if and when the theatre gets renovated!
That’s a good question now that this Mr. Owensby has entered the illusive picture! BTW, where did you find the above quoted information? It’s interesting that the quote mentions “outdoor drive-in theaters throughout the South”. It just so happens..I was told during my visit to Shelby that the town still has a drive-in theatre outside of town though I didn’t go investigate that lead…will in March though! I learned of this drive-in information while chatting with 2 local ladies who grew up in Shelby. They were sitting at the next booth over at a local restaurant that the Mayor recommended for lunch that day…..Pleasant City Wood Fired Grill. In fact, the one lady told me that she remembers going to see the movie, Gone With The Wind at the Rogers. When I told them why I was in town that day to see the Rogers they said they’d love to see the Rogers again. I wasn’t able to tell them what time I’d be taking the tour so they weren’t able to meet me which turned out to be 4:00 that afternoon!
Earl Owensby was a film producer who did use the theatre at some point in time though not sure in what capacity.
“I don’t think the Gibson name was up there for more than a few months, just long enough for emotions to boil to the surface. Mr. Gibson may have been alive then, but I’m not sure at all. The Rogers name that is up right now has been there all along. I think there were some photo shopped pictures around for a while as well. I believe Earl Owensby never changed the name on the marquee, but again, that is influenced by my newcomer status here.”
Wade Nichols, Executive Director Uptown Shelby Association
The following remarks came to me via email with permission to post.
The Rogers family had threatened litigation to prevent the Gibson name appearing on the building. Destination Cleveland County was not yet firm as a 501 © 3 and were not in a position to let donor money be used on such issues. The Flick was owned outright by the City and they contributed the building, along with a good amount of direct cash. The Flick had been used as an Antique consignment store of good quality. That operation moved across the square to a large storefront near the First Baptist Church.
Best regards,
Wade Nichols, Executive Director Uptown Shelby Association
Caveat: I’m pretty new to town, but this is my best take on all the things I’ve heard.
I think that perhaps when Mr. Gibson was still living he may have added his name to the Rogers Theatre as it was on the Rogers about 3-4 years ago when I first visited Shelby. I wondered then what “the scoop” was on that sign. So when and if the Rogers ever gets renovated the name will be ROGERS and the Don Gibson will be down Marion Street and around the corner to S. Washington.