Ashton Theatre

The Pocatello Idaho State Journal archives note that the Ashton Theatre opened in December of 1948. The $100,000, 408-seat theater was developed and operated by George Harrigfeld.

The Journal reported on August 27, 1953 that his competitor, Fred Swanstrum of the Star Theatre, was suing Harrgifeld. Also included in the $150,000 action was six major film companies. The suit accused the defendants of violating the Sherman Antitrust Law. Swanstrum said they prevented him from showing first-run films and were conspiring to put him out of business. No resolution of the suit could be found in later Idaho newspapers except that the film companies counter sued in 1954.

The theater closed in the late-1960’s and was filled by a variety of businesses over the years. The building still exists in Ashton today at the corner of 6th Street and Main Street, three doors away from the competing Star Theatre.

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