Ideal Theater

17 E. Gabilan Street,
Salinas, CA 93901

Unfavorite No one has favorited this theater yet

Additional Info

Functions: Office Space

Previous Names: Unique Theater

Nearby Theaters

The Ideal Theater, formerly the Unique Theater, opened on November 3, 1909, with the movies “The Pay Car”, directed by Sidney Olcott and “The Haunted Hat” and was covered by the Salinas Daily Index.

During February 1910 a Daily Index advertisement was offering the theater for sale by Len Wade, which was bought by Bertha McKinnon, opening on April 17, 1910.

On May 1, 1910, prior to opening, an employee discovered an incendiary device on the stage, which had started but burned itself out after creating a hole in the floor. Not an isolated incident, apparently Mrs. McKinnon and her husband’s properties had endured previous attacks.

On May 22, 1910, the Ideal Theatre closed for lack of patronage. The Daily Index reported “It has been demonstrated that three motion picture and vaudeville theaters in Salinas are just one too many. It is another case of two is company, three is a crowd”.

The Ideal Theater was located in the Pythian Castle, listed on Sanborn Maps. The building survives in use as office space.

Contributed by Ron Pierce
You must login before making a comment.

New Comment

Subscribe Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.