Richard E. Wildish Community Theater
630 Main Street,
Springfield,
OR
97477
630 Main Street,
Springfield,
OR
97477
1 person
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Related Websites
Richard E. Wildish Community Theater (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Western Amusement Company Inc.
Architects: James W. DeYoung
Functions: Live Performances, Movies (Classic), Movies (Independent)
Previous Names: McKenzie Theater, Fine Arts Theatre
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
541.868.0689
Nearby Theaters
The 600-seats McKenzie Theater originally opened on September 11, 1946 with Joel McCrea in 2The Virginian". From June 4, 1969 it was known as the Fine Arts Theatre.
After closing, it was used as a boxing arena, and then a dance hall named ‘The Zoo’. It was renovated and reopened as the Richard E. Wildish Community Theater in November 2006.
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Recent comments (view all 5 comments)
The McKenzie Theatre was designed by Portland architect James W. DeYoung and opened in September, 1946. The October 19, 1946, issue of Boxoffice said that the McKenzie was the first theater with a reversed-floor arrangement in the northwest. There were 600 seats.
The original owners, Austin Dodge and Roy Carpenter, sold a half interest in the house to Western Amusement Company in 1947, according to the May 24, 1947, issue of Boxoffice.
Opened September 12th, 1946.
Became the Fine Arts on June 4th, 1969. Grand opening ad and AI picture posted.
and reopened by the owner of the Cinema 7 in Eugene as the Mercury theater on April 22nd, 1988.
Construction of the McKenzie Theatre with an estimate $70,000 lasted almost a year since ground broke on October 7, 1945, while under the war production board authority. Many delays were experienced due to material shortages and severe weather.
The McKenzie Theatre opened its doors on September 11, 1946 with Joel McCrea in “The Virginian” (unknown if extras added). The McKenzie originally housed 600 Haywood-Wakefield Deluxe seats, featuring RCA sound and Super Cinephor F-2 lenses in their projection.