Comments about Vale Theatre in Cashmere, WA

klongwilson on December 19, 2021 at 3:12 am

Joe Vogel, thank you for your post. Ted Wilson was my father. I didn’t know he had something to do with establishing the Vale Theatre! I also didn’t know when he bought the Alpine Theatre in Leavenworth, so that information is much appreciated! I’m not surprised that they had “the best in projection,” because Ted always wanted top-of-the line quality in his machines. It is my understanding that the Wilson brothers (Sam, Ted, and another brother) had a machine shop on the west side of Cottage Avenue, across from the Vale.

Joe Vogel on May 10, 2021 at 6:09 am

Here is a notice from Boxoffice of July 2, 1938:

“Ted Wilson Hosts Trade At Cashmere Vale Debut

“Seattle — Ted Wilson has opened his new house in Cashmere with Ben Shearer doing the entire equipment job. Wilson, who operates a theatre in Leavenworth, had many exhibitors and exchange managers for the opening of the new spot and all agreed it is one of the finest theatres of its type on the coast. Ben Shearer company made sure that everything was comfortable for the patrons. New chairs, newest in drapes, the best in projection and every other modern feature were much in evidence. The house, the Vale Theatre, seats 550.”

robboehm on May 10, 2021 at 2:32 am

I have uploaded three photos in which the Vale appears: one at a celebration of VJ Day where the marquee and a portion of the vertical appear; one in which the vertical is seen in the distance on the right; and the third showing the corner of the building and the Division Street sign.

I find it odd when looking at these old photos that this, which appears to be the main street in town, is called Cottage Avenue.

And JBottero if the current building at 101 is the former Vale it has been altered beyond recognition. The bank on Division has also been altered considerably but still is recognizable.

Jake Bottero on May 9, 2021 at 12:19 pm

Building seems to still be there.

Joe Vogel on March 22, 2015 at 8:11 am

The “New Theater Openings” column of The Film Daily for July 2, 1938, listed the 800-seat, $100,000 Vale Theatre at Cashmere, Washington as having opened on June 23.

kencmcintyre on August 24, 2008 at 1:14 am

Here is a little more information about the city of Cashmere:

According to the Tacoma Public Library, this is the origin of the name Cashmere.

It was established in 1889, and platted in 1895 as Mission by J. F. Woodring and I. W. Sherman. That name came from a Jesuit mission which had been built in 1863. The present name was given in 1902 since another town in the state carried the name Mission. Responsible for the choice was Judge James H. Chase, who had visited the Vale of Kashmir in India, and liked the name.

kencmcintyre on August 24, 2008 at 1:10 am

Not a fact, but extremely coincidental given the name of the city.

kencmcintyre on August 24, 2008 at 12:29 am

The Vale’s name may be in reference to a line in Thomas Moore’s poem “Lalla Rookh”: “Who has not heard of the Vale of Cashmere! With its roses the brightest the earth ever gave.”

There is also a park in NYC called the Vale of Cashmere.

Vale Theatre

101 Cottage Avenue, Cashmere, WA 98815

101 Cottage Avenue,
Cashmere, WA 98815