Waco Hippodrome Theatre

As of 2021 the Waco Hippodrome had live performances only.

The Waco Theatre became part of the Interstate Theatres chain of Dallas when it started its Interstate expansion to Waco in 1933. Many other theaters in Waco would later take over the business. Along with the Waco, the Rivoli, Strand, Texas, and Orpheum Theatres were also operated by Interstate during World War II. The 25th Street Theatre and the Lake Air Drive-In were soon to be operated by Interstate later on.

The Waco Theatre’s relationship with Interstate Theatres lasted until New Year’s Day 1972 when ABC Mid-South Theatres (later ABC Interstate Theatres) took over operations. The Group Vice President of the non-broadcasting operations of the American Broadcasting Company, Samuel H. Clark, said that the merger would transfer the properties of the name “ABC Mid-South Theatres” to “ABC Interstate Theatres” in connection of the ongoing boost of the Interstate chain.

Its relationship didn’t last long. The Waco Theatre ran its last film on December 15, 1974 in connection of the Christmas Day 1974 opening of the 800-seat capacity ABC Interstate operated Cinema I & II and the Waco Theatre became the Waco Hippodrome Theatre.

In the other hand also in connection of the I & II, the Lake Air Drive-In closed its gates for the final time on December 8, 1974, a week prior to the movie-ending relationship to the Waco Theatre.

This link has two 1920 interior photos as well.

http://texsrhistory.org/recommended-reading/photograph-archives/waco-photograph-archives/gildersleeve-collection/gildersleeve/

Architected by Lang & Witchell

Nice looking theatre.

The following statement is from a dear friend and very knowlegable Theatre organist and longtime Waco resident, Mr Jim Pitts.

Pilsher built the organ but it was NOT a theatre organ in the strict sense. The organ was not installed in chambers but sat divided on both sides of the proscenium, perched atop access foyers to the stage and dressing room area. It was later sold to First Methodist Church of Waco and was removed before a fire in the theatre destroyed much of the stage and screen. The organ survived the 1953 tornado which unroofed the church and sent the steeple crashing down on the console. Actually, poor installation saved the organ from water and storm damage as the shutters were installed horizontally and fell closed when the wind supply ceased. This fault sealed the organ from outside influence during the massive storm. It was resurrected in the new First Methodist Church and two additional ranks and a new console were added by Robert Markham. With the building of a much larger sanctuary later, the organ fell into disrepair and was replaced with a 33-rank Shantz ~ but it still lives and plays today. A small protestant church in south Texas bought it about three years ago and it has been rebuilt and enlarged. The old gal is still going, and on its original blower, too. Efforts to reclaim the organ for the Hippodrome were not successful as there was no possible means to install it in the theatre’s current configuration.

At this time, I am working on the life and memories of Mary Holliday. Ms. Holliday was the first female radio announcer in the State of Texas and she hosted the Jones Fine Bread Kiddie Matinee at the Waco from 1932 to approximately 1956.

I am hosting a re-enactment of the show as a part of the Waco History Project at the theater on Friday, November 10th at 7 p.m.

1) I would love to know where you found the postcard of the theater. It’s beautiful and I’ve never seen a copy of it.

2) Jake, the board hasn’t got the money it will take to renovate the 25th Street. Unfortunately, this theater is probably going to see the wrecking ball. I work for the City of Waco and the things I’ve heard is for awhile it was repairable, but really would take several millions to now restore.

3) I am now working on a project concerning the life of Mary Holliday, host of the Kiddie’s matinee that was performed at the Waco Theater in the 30’s and 40’s. If you know anyone who performed, sang, worked or went to the matinees, please have them contact me at

I was in the army in nearby Fort Hood, Texas in 1955 to 1957. I saw “Giant” with Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean at the Waco Theater.