Description credit Garland County Historical Society.
“The 1000-seat Paramount Theater opened at 616 Central in 1936. The first movie shown was Two for Tonight with Bing Crosby and Joan Bennett. The theater featured first run movies and special events. The building was razed in 1989, and the site is now a parking lot beside the downtown post office.”
Description credit Garland County Historical Society.
“The Sunset Drive-in Movie Theater
The Sunset was opened by Mrs. Jessie Howe in the 3300 block of Central Avenue in 1950, when Central Ave was a narrow two-lane road and the location was "out of town”
Chuck Cunning (former President of GCHS) described visiting the Sunset in the mid-1960’s: “The whole place breathed excitement: drivers scurrying for the perfect parking spot, quick testing of window speakers, laughing teenagers emerging from car trunks, trips to the concession stand, where several people sat in folding chairs—visiting more than watching, kids shouting as they flew through the night air on swings, young couples moving close. And the air was thick with the aroma of honeysuckle, hamburgers sizzling on the grill, buttered popcorn, citronella oil, Marlboros and contraband beer.”
By 1985 Central was four-lane; the Sunset property was valuable and drive-in theaters were not as popular as they once were. It was sold.
Who remembers the Sunset?
Did you arrive in the trunk of your friend’s car? Did you ever drive off with a speaker, apologize and turn it in at the concession? Shareable memories?
Photo added: 1955 Hot Springs High School Old Gold Book.
Garland County Historical Society archives"
Address is 1581 Dr Thomas Walker Rd.
There is a U.S. Post Office next door to the left at 1579.
Highway 58 is actually Wilderness Road and is behind it by a block.
Satellite view shows the Ewing Theatre has no roof remaining.
The print ad Mike Rogers posted in 2014 was for “The Patsy”, starring Jerry Lewis and Ina Balin pictured in it.
Here are direct links again to the 1983 and `84 photos, credit American Classic Images website.
Click on images in site to enlarge.
(Previous 2009 link is dead.)
The photo labeled 1964 added by JohnnyM on March 10, 2020 is more likely late 1962.
The 2 films on the marquee do not appear on the master list of Woods Theatre presentations that begins on January 1, 1964. “Almost Angels” was released in September 62. And progress on Marina City looks about the same in this September 1962 photo.
More likely late `62. The 2 films on the marquee do not appear on the master list of Woods Theatre presentations that begins in January64.
“Almost Angels” was released in September 62.
And progress on Marina City looks about the same in this September62 photo.
Per the Local History Collection : Peoria Public Library.
The Warner Brothers 1936 movie “Earthworm Tractors” had a worldwide premiere at the Madison Theater in downtown Peoria, Illinois on July 24th 1936. The movie was based upon the Caterpillar Track Type Tractor and Caterpillar employees who built and sold the tractors.
Regarding photo posted by Mark 8/19/13, Per the Local History Collection : Peoria Public Library.
The Warner Brothers 1936 movie “Earthworm Tractors” had a worldwide premiere at the Madison Theater in downtown Peoria, Illinois on July 24th 1936.
The movie was based upon the Caterpillar Track Type Tractor and Caterpillar employees who built and sold the tractors.
Opened October 2, 1947 with “The Time, the Place and the Girl”.
Grand Opening ad and date added courtesy Local History Collection : Peoria Public Library.
Below story and photos added credit and courtesy of Traces of Texas Facebook page.
“Going through some of my older photos when I came across these shots of the Arcadia Theater in Temple. The folks there invited me to photograph the interior of the theater, which had been closed for almost 30 years, on Dec 2, 2007. Even though I’ve had a 35mm camera since I was 8 years old and had a working darkroom by the time I was 14, I was new to the world of digital when I took these. The Arcadia was built in 1928 and was designed with a Spanish Atmospheric style interior. Back then it featured both vaudeville and silent films. Within a couple years of its opening, it began showing talkies.
The Arcadia Theater features a large stage, and among the stars to appear on it over the years have been Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Robert Mitchum and Sandra Dee. Live performances continued to be presented at the Arcadia Theater along with movies into the 1950’s, when a larger screen was installed, greatly reducing the stage space. From at least the early-1940’s it was operated by Paramount Pictures Inc. through their subsidiary Hoblitzelle & O'Donnell.
The Arcadia Theater closed in 1978, on the exact day it had opened fifty years earlier. The theater soon fell into disrepair, which included a roof collapse and subsequent heavy damage to the interior.
In 2000, the Friends of the Arcadia organization was formed and purchased the theater. In 2003, the group replaced the roof and added new signage to the facade of the Arcadia.
The first photo shows the new exterior sign. The next photo shows the entryway to the theater and what was the concession stand. The next two photos show are two interior shots of the theater as it was in 2007 with the new roof but still very rough otherwise. As y'all can see, the chairs had long since been removed. The next shot of the two reels was taken in the projection booth. The last shot shows the Arcadia sign as it lay up against the wall in what was formerly the manager’s office.
I saw many movies in the Arcadia as a kid. I remember seeing Jaws there and being so frightened afterward that I wouldn’t go into any body of water for a couple of years. It was fun for me to look at photos I took more than 12 years ago and to think about all of the miles I’ve driven photographing Texas since then and all of the wonderful Texans I’ve met.“Going through some of my older photos when I came across these shots of the Arcadia Theater in Temple. The folks there invited me to photograph the interior of the theater, which had been closed for almost 30 years, on Dec 2, 2007. Even though I’ve had a 35mm camera since I was 8 years old and had a working darkroom by the time I was 14, I was new to the world of digital when I took these. The Arcadia was built in 1928 and was designed with a Spanish Atmospheric style interior. Back then it featured both vaudeville and silent films. Within a couple years of its opening, it began showing talkies.
The Arcadia Theater features a large stage, and among the stars to appear on it over the years have been Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Robert Mitchum and Sandra Dee. Live performances continued to be presented at the Arcadia Theater along with movies into the 1950’s, when a larger screen was installed, greatly reducing the stage space. From at least the early-1940’s it was operated by Paramount Pictures Inc. through their subsidiary Hoblitzelle & O'Donnell.
The Arcadia Theater closed in 1978, on the exact day it had opened fifty years earlier. The theater soon fell into disrepair, which included a roof collapse and subsequent heavy damage to the interior.
In 2000, the Friends of the Arcadia organization was formed and purchased the theater. In 2003, the group replaced the roof and added new signage to the facade of the Arcadia.
The first photo shows the new exterior sign. The next photo shows the entryway to the theater and what was the concession stand. The next two photos show are two interior shots of the theater as it was in 2007 with the new roof but still very rough otherwise. As y'all can see, the chairs had long since been removed. The next shot of the two reels was taken in the projection booth. The last shot shows the Arcadia sign as it lay up against the wall in what was formerly the manager’s office.
I saw many movies in the Arcadia as a kid. I remember seeing Jaws there and being so frightened afterward that I wouldn’t go into any body of water for a couple of years. It was fun for me to look at photos I took more than 12 years ago and to think about all of the miles I’ve driven photographing Texas since then and all of the wonderful Texans I’ve met."
January 15, 1944 photo credit Garland County Historical Society Archives.
A new facade and marquee was added between 1948 and 1950. Multiple images added.
Description credit Garland County Historical Society.
“The 1000-seat Paramount Theater opened at 616 Central in 1936. The first movie shown was Two for Tonight with Bing Crosby and Joan Bennett. The theater featured first run movies and special events. The building was razed in 1989, and the site is now a parking lot beside the downtown post office.”
1955 Hot Springs High School Old Gold Book. Garland County Historical Society archives.
Description credit Garland County Historical Society.
“The Sunset Drive-in Movie Theater The Sunset was opened by Mrs. Jessie Howe in the 3300 block of Central Avenue in 1950, when Central Ave was a narrow two-lane road and the location was "out of town”
Chuck Cunning (former President of GCHS) described visiting the Sunset in the mid-1960’s: “The whole place breathed excitement: drivers scurrying for the perfect parking spot, quick testing of window speakers, laughing teenagers emerging from car trunks, trips to the concession stand, where several people sat in folding chairs—visiting more than watching, kids shouting as they flew through the night air on swings, young couples moving close. And the air was thick with the aroma of honeysuckle, hamburgers sizzling on the grill, buttered popcorn, citronella oil, Marlboros and contraband beer.”
By 1985 Central was four-lane; the Sunset property was valuable and drive-in theaters were not as popular as they once were. It was sold. Who remembers the Sunset? Did you arrive in the trunk of your friend’s car? Did you ever drive off with a speaker, apologize and turn it in at the concession? Shareable memories?
Photo added: 1955 Hot Springs High School Old Gold Book. Garland County Historical Society archives"
Address is 1581 Dr Thomas Walker Rd. There is a U.S. Post Office next door to the left at 1579. Highway 58 is actually Wilderness Road and is behind it by a block. Satellite view shows the Ewing Theatre has no roof remaining. The print ad Mike Rogers posted in 2014 was for “The Patsy”, starring Jerry Lewis and Ina Balin pictured in it.
The film is “The Patsy”, starring Jerry Lewis and actress Ina Balin pictured. Released August 12, 1964.
Photo credit David Wilson via Flickr.
Closing permanently at the end of the month.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/6/16/21293236/mercury-theater-chicago-closing-permanently-due-to-fallout-from-covid-19-pandemic?fbclid=IwAR0vBUN63w0p49lEr4xfsOL8zlBwOnynpGHIU5dL3qHCjn6ExvFkVVcC8cI
Charlie Chaplin’s first fully sound film, The Great Dictator, premiered in Chicago at the Roosevelt and Apollo on Halloween night 1940.
Here are direct links again to the 1983 and `84 photos, credit American Classic Images website. Click on images in site to enlarge. (Previous 2009 link is dead.)
http://americanclassicimages.com/Search/IL849/txtSearch/Skokie
http://americanclassicimages.com/Search/IL850/txtSearch/Skokie
1979 photo added credit Michael Gaylord James.
Pismo Theatre marquee in on the right in various enlargements of the photo in the below link.
http://theoldmotor.com/?p=162651
The photo labeled 1964 added by JohnnyM on March 10, 2020 is more likely late 1962. The 2 films on the marquee do not appear on the master list of Woods Theatre presentations that begins on January 1, 1964. “Almost Angels” was released in September 62. And progress on Marina City looks about the same in this September 1962 photo.
https://www.gettyimages.ie/detail/news-photo/construction-of-the-marina-city-towers-in-1962-chicago-news-photo/155881122
More likely late `62. The 2 films on the marquee do not appear on the master list of Woods Theatre presentations that begins in January64. “Almost Angels” was released in September 62. And progress on Marina City looks about the same in this September62 photo.
https://www.gettyimages.ie/detail/news-photo/construction-of-the-marina-city-towers-in-1962-chicago-news-photo/155881122
Per the Local History Collection : Peoria Public Library.
The Warner Brothers 1936 movie “Earthworm Tractors” had a worldwide premiere at the Madison Theater in downtown Peoria, Illinois on July 24th 1936. The movie was based upon the Caterpillar Track Type Tractor and Caterpillar employees who built and sold the tractors.
Regarding photo posted by Mark 8/19/13, Per the Local History Collection : Peoria Public Library.
The Warner Brothers 1936 movie “Earthworm Tractors” had a worldwide premiere at the Madison Theater in downtown Peoria, Illinois on July 24th 1936. The movie was based upon the Caterpillar Track Type Tractor and Caterpillar employees who built and sold the tractors.
Opened October 2, 1947 with “The Time, the Place and the Girl”. Grand Opening ad and date added courtesy Local History Collection : Peoria Public Library.
March 17, 1937 Grand Opening ad added credit Peoria Journal Star, courtesy Steve Tarter via Local History Collection : Peoria Public Library.
Below story and photos added credit and courtesy of Traces of Texas Facebook page.
“Going through some of my older photos when I came across these shots of the Arcadia Theater in Temple. The folks there invited me to photograph the interior of the theater, which had been closed for almost 30 years, on Dec 2, 2007. Even though I’ve had a 35mm camera since I was 8 years old and had a working darkroom by the time I was 14, I was new to the world of digital when I took these. The Arcadia was built in 1928 and was designed with a Spanish Atmospheric style interior. Back then it featured both vaudeville and silent films. Within a couple years of its opening, it began showing talkies.
The Arcadia Theater features a large stage, and among the stars to appear on it over the years have been Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Robert Mitchum and Sandra Dee. Live performances continued to be presented at the Arcadia Theater along with movies into the 1950’s, when a larger screen was installed, greatly reducing the stage space. From at least the early-1940’s it was operated by Paramount Pictures Inc. through their subsidiary Hoblitzelle & O'Donnell.
The Arcadia Theater closed in 1978, on the exact day it had opened fifty years earlier. The theater soon fell into disrepair, which included a roof collapse and subsequent heavy damage to the interior.
In 2000, the Friends of the Arcadia organization was formed and purchased the theater. In 2003, the group replaced the roof and added new signage to the facade of the Arcadia.
The first photo shows the new exterior sign. The next photo shows the entryway to the theater and what was the concession stand. The next two photos show are two interior shots of the theater as it was in 2007 with the new roof but still very rough otherwise. As y'all can see, the chairs had long since been removed. The next shot of the two reels was taken in the projection booth. The last shot shows the Arcadia sign as it lay up against the wall in what was formerly the manager’s office.
I saw many movies in the Arcadia as a kid. I remember seeing Jaws there and being so frightened afterward that I wouldn’t go into any body of water for a couple of years. It was fun for me to look at photos I took more than 12 years ago and to think about all of the miles I’ve driven photographing Texas since then and all of the wonderful Texans I’ve met.“Going through some of my older photos when I came across these shots of the Arcadia Theater in Temple. The folks there invited me to photograph the interior of the theater, which had been closed for almost 30 years, on Dec 2, 2007. Even though I’ve had a 35mm camera since I was 8 years old and had a working darkroom by the time I was 14, I was new to the world of digital when I took these. The Arcadia was built in 1928 and was designed with a Spanish Atmospheric style interior. Back then it featured both vaudeville and silent films. Within a couple years of its opening, it began showing talkies.
The Arcadia Theater features a large stage, and among the stars to appear on it over the years have been Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Robert Mitchum and Sandra Dee. Live performances continued to be presented at the Arcadia Theater along with movies into the 1950’s, when a larger screen was installed, greatly reducing the stage space. From at least the early-1940’s it was operated by Paramount Pictures Inc. through their subsidiary Hoblitzelle & O'Donnell.
The Arcadia Theater closed in 1978, on the exact day it had opened fifty years earlier. The theater soon fell into disrepair, which included a roof collapse and subsequent heavy damage to the interior.
In 2000, the Friends of the Arcadia organization was formed and purchased the theater. In 2003, the group replaced the roof and added new signage to the facade of the Arcadia.
The first photo shows the new exterior sign. The next photo shows the entryway to the theater and what was the concession stand. The next two photos show are two interior shots of the theater as it was in 2007 with the new roof but still very rough otherwise. As y'all can see, the chairs had long since been removed. The next shot of the two reels was taken in the projection booth. The last shot shows the Arcadia sign as it lay up against the wall in what was formerly the manager’s office.
I saw many movies in the Arcadia as a kid. I remember seeing Jaws there and being so frightened afterward that I wouldn’t go into any body of water for a couple of years. It was fun for me to look at photos I took more than 12 years ago and to think about all of the miles I’ve driven photographing Texas since then and all of the wonderful Texans I’ve met."
January 1969 photo added credit Springfield Rewind.
January 1949.
Facade still in jeopardy.
https://blockclubchicago.org/2020/06/09/city-lifts-hold-on-tearing-down-jeffery-theater-but-developer-doesnt-plan-to-demolish-immediately/?mc_cid=b758d79e01&mc_eid=173b7b99f7
The Lyric Theater opened in 1917. It became the Wyoming Theater in 1920. Images added with additional history.
July 1, 1986 photo credit Western History Center at Casper College.