Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox

The Fox Theatre at Sprague and Monroe was originally to have been an atmospheric house designed by John Eberson, when it was in its planning stage in 1928, but financing problems due in part to the onset of the depression lead to delays and a change in architects. This early notice about the original project appeared in the September 29, 1928 issue of Pacific Builder and Engineer:

“Ready for Bids Soon-Theater. Sprague and Monroe. Revised plans nearing completion, bids will be called within 30-60 days accordg to Louis Cohen, (now at Davenport Hotel), mgr Real Estate Dept, West Coast Theaters Corp, Los Angeles. To be financed by LN Rosenbaum & Co, New York, Seattle Theater Bldg, Seattle. (Prev anned) Local ARCHTS Riggs and Van Tyne, Peyton Bldg, main plans by ARCHT John Eberson, Chicago and NY. Fireprf constr, stl, re and brk constr, overage of exits; atmospheric style; ext frame, brk trim with t cover stl and conc skeleton; 13 shops on Sprague st; 1 sty 30' deep, 3 stys to be back of shops; 8 shops on Monroe 30' deep; theater lounges on 2nd, 3rd, 4th flrs above shops; main entrance on Sprague and Monroe; rotunda, double tower effect; auditrm 48' hi; auditrm 3000 capy, $1,400,000.”

As much as I like John Eberson’s work, I can’t help but think that Spokane got very lucky, given how splendid the theater turned out as designed by Robert Reamer and Anthony Heinsbergen.

Known as the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox

What beautiful Theater! Attended several movies there in the 70’s. Very happy it was restored. These magnificant venues can never be replaced.

Hmmm…You have a point there! I guess it must have been a general release film then. But I’ve no idea which one it was. Definitely not Barry Lyndon, though. But it obviously was good enough to be considered educational enough as far as facts went to hold screenings for school kids in a multitude of districts.

No, I don’t think it was a “general release” but one that was made as an educational history film aimed at teenagers. It was definitely about the Revolutionary War, but it’s not a film I remember has having come out to theatres.

No, I wish it had been – I remember being bored to tears by the movie. I am sure it was the spring of either 1976 or 1977, although I must have seen the poster at another time – I was still in junior high during the field trip to the movie, and it was shown in a special screening to hoards of junior high kids from the area.

I remember seeing “Smokey And The Bandit” here in 1977 – it was opening weekend, and I had to sit all the way in front – it took my neck a week to recover, but it was a lot of fun! We also came to the Fox one day on a field trip from school to see a film about the Revolutionary War – darned if I can remember what the film was, but I know that during regular hours, “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” was playing in one of the theatres, so that puts it at 1976 or so.

Incidentally, I’m doing some research on a series of articles i’m planning about my theatre experiences over the years – I grew up in the Spokane area in the 60s and 70s, and there are ton of theatres I remember – both indoor and drive-ins – that are not listed here. Anyone know of another good site or sites about Spokane area theatre history? I’d greatly appreciate any and all info I could find out – thanks!

well, if they booked “GATOR” with “GONE WITH THE WIND” they would have had two Georgia based flicks.What double feature,Wish Burt,A Georgia Boy could see it.

Just above the Mann ad is a ad for the Starlite Drive-In for “Gone with the Wind” and “White Lightning” plus 3 cartoons for a carload price of $2.00.

Nice opening day ad Mike.

Typically the “ban” on movies is on first run movies.

I am assuming it was un-triplexed. Also, not showing movies until 2020 would include old time movie festivals as well?

What a great building! I am continually amazed. Every time I think I know ‘em all another one shows up.