Elma Theatre
113 N. 4th Street,
Elma,
WA
98541
113 N. 4th Street,
Elma,
WA
98541
1 person
favorited this theater
Originally named the Graham Theatre which opened October 1, 1927. The Elma Theatre, which was the only operating theater for miles, served as a venue for mostly live stage shows, with an occasional movie. The theatre was equipped for stereo sound, operated 20 minute reels with changeover, and have carbon arc lamphouses.
Sadly, damage from recent earthquakes hurt the Elma Theatre, but volunteers were for a while working tirelessly to repair its beautiful workmanship. It was closed in early-2013. On February 12, 2019 the roof collapsed due the heavey snow. The building had more live bookings than any other theatre in southwest Washington.
Demolition began on November 10, 2025.
Contributed by
Ken Layton
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Recent comments (view all 40 comments)
Yes, the hole in the roof is above the stage. I will be meeting with the grandsughter of the Grahams who were the first owners. I am hoping to learn details about the history of the theater. I have only lived in Elma a year and a half.
The theater building has two storefront shops. I am hoping to use one as a museum of the theater and the City of Elma. I would like to gather as much history about the theater as I can. I would like to reinstitute favorite traditions that relate to the theater.
I do not know what happened to the letters. They may be inside. I have only been in the theater once. I need to get respirators and hazmat suits before entering again. Also, I don’t know if asbestos was used in construction. My first concern is the health and safety of anyone entering the building. As of yet, the building is still deemed unsafe and no one but the owner can enter until that status is lifted.
The right hand storefront (as looking at the front of building) was a barbershop for many years. The left hand storefront was I believe a second hand or antique store.
Ken Layton, how are you connected to Elma? Did you grow up here? Do you live here now?
I heard the theater roof has collapsed under the weight of heavy snow on February 15, 2019.
Hi Folks, I just wrote pages here and accidentally deleted it when I tried to post it. 😢
Bad, bad news. In Feb 12th, the roof of the Elma Theater collapsed under the weight if heavy snow. A 4’x30’ section of one wall broke and is precariously hanging toward the auditorium. Beneath that broken wall is a gas access pipe in the alley just inches from the wall.
The city is underdtandinly comcerned about the safety of the public.
Hi Folks, I just wrote pages here and accidentally deleted it when I tried to post it. 😢
Bad, bad news. In Feb 12th, the roof of the Elma Theater collapsed under the weight if heavy snow. A 4’x30’ section of one wall broke and is precariously hanging toward the auditorium. Beneath that broken wall is a gas access pipe in the alley just inches from the wall.
The city is underdtandinly comcerned about the safety of the public.
Bad, bad news for the Elma Theater. Early in the morning of Feb 12th, the roof of the thester collapsed under the weight of snow. One wall was seriously damages and is a searious hazard to the immediatelt neighbors.
This is my third attempt to post this so I’m going to cut it short and be very blunt. The city is in trak to demolish the theater and I, as owner, get to pick up the tab. There is inly a sliver of hope left that I can convince the city not to demolish this piece of history. That sliver is $500,000 in an escrow account and plans drawn up by a structural engineer and an architect that prove that I am on track to restore the theater.
This is more than devastating to me. I don’t know how many people in this small community even know that the theater is about to be demolished.
If any of you know a philanthropisr that would love to help save this theater please share my fundraising page:
gofundme.com/urgent-the-walls-are-caving-in
There are a few photos and a lovely narrative about the theater written by a dear friend.
Any donations offered between now and the certification of my organization as 501©3 certified, will be tax deductible. I applied 6 weeks ago and expect to receive the certificat within 4 weeks.
Thank you for your time reading and sharing this post.
Edna Porter Owner, President Elma Performing Arts Center (Formerly Elma Theater) (The Historic Elma Theater Restoration Project) PO Box 1422, Elma, WA. 98541 (360) 910-9933
Bad news:
https://www.thedailyworld.com/news/with-roof-collapsed-its-likely-curtains-for-old-elma-theater/
Ken, Thank you for posting this. I had not seen it yet.
The end for the Elma Theater has finally arrived, this is from the City of Elma: 🚨 ELMA THEATER DEMO PROJECT - ROAD CLOSURE The Elma Theater Demolition Project is scheduled to start November 10th, 2025 and last through December 16th. N 4th Street from Main St to Young St. will be closed for the duration of the project. Portions of the side walk will be open for access to local businesses and residents. Please use alternate routes during the closure. The road will reopen to normal traffic at the completion of the project. Thank you for your cooperation and patience. If you require additional information, please contact Rick Eaton, Public Works Director at 360-482-2212 or