Bison Theatre
320 Norris Avenue,
McCook,
NE
69001
320 Norris Avenue,
McCook,
NE
69001
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Fox Inter-Mountain Theaters Inc.
Architects: Charles Dunwoody Strong
Functions: Fraternal Hall
Previous Names: Fox Temple Theatre, Temple Theatre
Nearby Theaters
The Temple Theatre opened on October 19, 1909 with a stage presentation “A Girl at the Helm”. It was renovated and reopened as a movie theatre in 1927. In January 1930 it was renamed Fox Temple Theatre. The 1,000-seat Fox Temple Theatre was listed as (Closed) in the 1941 and 1943 editions of Film Daily Yearbook. It was damaged by fire on December 5 1948. On July 26, 1950, it had reopened as the Bison Theatre following renovations carried out to plans by architect Charles Dunwoody Strong. This large theatre is located on Main Street (today renamed George Norris Avenue) at the corner of West C Street.
The building still stands today, I believe in use as a Masonic Lodge.
Contributed by
Ken Roe
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Recent comments (view all 4 comments)
The way I see it the address is near the corner of West C Street NOT West D Street??
Owners:
1930 Wasco Corporation (Fox)?
1935-1945 Fox Midwest Theaters Corporation?
1950-1955 Fox Intermountain?
Anyone have more info or photos?
Motion Picture Herald, Dec. 25, 1948: “The Temple theatre, McCook, Neb., was destroyed by fire.”
Motion Picture Herald, Jan. 8, 1955: “Fox Intermountain Theatres sold 650-seat Bison, McCook, Neb., and 850-seat Paramount, Cheyenne, Wyo., to Carlin Smith.”
The cornerstone of the Temple Theatre was laid on November 7, 1908. That ceremony included a parade and attendance by “thousands” according to local reportage. The Temple Theatre then opened with a stage presentation of “A Girl at the Helm” on October 19, 1909. In 1927, the theatre received a major makeover and a grand relaunch positioned as a dedicated movie theater.
Fox West Coast purchased the Temple and World in 1929 and changed the Temple to the Fox Temple on January 1930. A lawsuit and some form of transfer of ownership took place but the theatre effectively remained in the Fox family. In May of 1948, the theatre was downgraded to twice a week operation on Saturday and Sunday only. On December 5, 1948, a fire damaged the building leading to a complete remodeling job.
The theatre was repaired and relaunched for Fox Intermountain as the Bison Theatre on July 26, 1950 with “Wagonmaster.” The remodel was designed by architect Charles D. Strong. Fox dropped the theater on December 22, 1954. Cinema Amusement Company of Glen Rock led by Carlin Smith took on the venue in January of 1955.