Center 3 Theaters

124 S. Wilson Street,
Vinita, OK 74301

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Related Websites

Center Cinemas (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Video Independent Theaters Inc.

Architects: Jack M. Corgan, Frank Love, William J. Moore Jr.

Firms: Corgan & Moore

Functions: Movies (First Run)

Previous Names: Lyric Theater, Center Theater

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 918.256.2097

Nearby Theaters

Center 3 Theaters, Vinita, OK - 2013

There was a Lyric Theatre operating in Vinita from September 1910 (no address given). This old historic theater opened in 1919 as the second Lyric Theater, a single screen theater. It featured live entertainment and movies. It was one of the earliest theaters constructed in the state. It was remodeled in the late-1930’s to the plans of architect Frank Love.

The theater has been completely renovated and made into a three screen venue featuring first run movies.

The front of the building has lost some of its luster during the renovation. The first level of the theater has been stuccoed over in a plain white. A new rather simple marquee has been added and a large vertical with “Center” down each side has been restored. The upper floors still remain a red brick with sand stone trim around the windows.

Contributed by Chuck Van Bibber

Recent comments (view all 12 comments)

jchapman1
jchapman1 on July 8, 2007 at 1:18 pm

Here is a creative website with shots of the Center.
http://www.agilitynut.com/theatres/ok.html

seymourcox
seymourcox on July 18, 2010 at 5:11 pm

Designed in Craftsman Style, modern photos of the charming Centre Theatre can be seen here,
http://www.roadsideoklahoma.com/node/739

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on August 4, 2010 at 8:46 pm

Still running Movies.that 1985 picture looked like it was on its last legs.

TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on August 4, 2010 at 8:50 pm

Like the neon under the marquee,cool.

raybradley
raybradley on March 26, 2011 at 2:18 pm

Really sharp vintage interior & exterior photographs (when this theatre was known as the Lyric)
can be pulled on below link by typing in “vinita theatre”,
View link

missmelbatoast
missmelbatoast on March 29, 2011 at 12:00 am

Look at vintage street views when this was still known as the Lyric. The State Theatre is also visible. Type in “wilson street looking south”

robboehm
robboehm on May 29, 2021 at 4:31 pm

The Center was a segregated theatre. Persons of color sat in the balcony.

50sSNIPES
50sSNIPES on April 23, 2024 at 6:19 pm

The Lyric Theatre that operated before 1922 opened in September 1910 in the Jones & Bagby building. At the time, Vinita had two other theaters as well, which were the Auditorium Theatre and the Vaudette Theatre. The original Lyric received an updated front in August 1912.

The current Lyric Theatre opened in 1919 following relocation. On December 10, 1950, it was renamed the Center Theatre.

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