Civic Theatre
239 N. Main Street,
Hay Springs,
NE
69347
239 N. Main Street,
Hay Springs,
NE
69347
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Additional Info
Previous Names: Star Theatre
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The building was was renamed Star Theatre on August 13, 1920. 1920 when it was listed with 219 seats. By 1931 it was listed with 450 seats. On November 1, 1947 it was renamed Civic Theatre with 320 seats. Still open in 1957 (listed as the Star Theatre again), it was closed on May 30, 1966, but reopened under new ownership on September 8, 1966. It was closed in early-1967.
This long-abandoned theatre survived long enough to get a formstone front. Old blade sign has been foolishly slathered with white paint, but the last letter of the name still shows as a ‘C’. Obviously a pretty old building, perhaps an old opera house, the back is covered with tin sheeting meant to look like stone. It remains a vacant building in 2022.
Contributed by
Seth Gaines
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Recent comments (view all 5 comments)
Harry E. Christiansen was the Civic Theatre projectionist, according to his 2011 obituary below.
https://sheridancountyjournalstar.net/obituaries/item/39-harry-e-christensen
This note in the May 30, 1966 issue of BoxOffice may have marked the end: “Eldon Eaton is closing the Civic Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb., and will be moving to Huron, S. D.”
Motion Picture Herald, Nov. 15, 1947: “Esmond Hardin changes name of Star, Hay Springs, Neb., to Civic.”
Clyde Walgren took on the venue changing its name to the Star Theatre beginning on August 13, 1920 with the Wm. S. Hart film, “Sand.” It had 219 seats at opening. H. Esmond Hardin took on the venue on November 1, 1947 and renamed it as the Civic Theatre. The theatre closed on May 31, 1966 and was reopened by Mrs. Dick Burback on September 8, 1966. She appears to have closed early in 1967.
Vacant.