There were two locations for the Max Theatre. The first one opened to the public on March 18, 1931 and was likely originally opened as the Liberty Theatre - a silent venue that had launched on February 20, 1920 with “Revelations.” The venue’s safety protocols were no match for a nitrate film explosion that destroyed the building, the neighboring Armour Produce, and damaged the Ben Franklin store, and Velvin Barber Shop on March 31, 1935. Buck Jones, projectionist, was injured but manager Laura Means got all patrons out safely.
A new building housing a new Max Theatre was built on what is now South Sheb Wooley street that opened in September of 1935 and has a Cinema Treasures page under its new name when a new operator renamed the venue.
The above dates are in error.
There were two locations for the Max Theatre. The first one opened to the public on March 18, 1931 and was likely originally opened as the Liberty Theatre - a silent venue that had launched on February 20, 1920 with “Revelations.” The venue’s safety protocols were no match for a nitrate film explosion that destroyed the building, the neighboring Armour Produce, and damaged the Ben Franklin store, and Velvin Barber Shop on March 31, 1935. Buck Jones, projectionist, was injured but manager Laura Means got all patrons out safely.
A new building housing a new Max Theatre was built on what is now South Sheb Wooley street that opened in September of 1935 and has a Cinema Treasures page under its new name when a new operator renamed the venue.
Here is a modern day view of the business district in Erick. Perhaps an oldtimer can point out where the Max Theatre stood.
View link