Oklahoma State Historical Society has vintage photos of this cinema when it was known as Rex. To see images type in name ‘Rex Theatre’ on below site - View link
According to the street view on google map, the Western Equipment Building is very attractive Spanish styling and still looks like a theatre. I really like those second story arched windows!
Anyone know where I can get in touch with Bill L. Love? Mr. Love was city manager for all four Video Independent Theatres in Norman throughout the ‘60s and '70s, and he is an expert on Oklahoma theatre history.
This is a reply to Ken Mac’s 08/12/07 post (Better late than never) - http://tinyurl.com/3a5ytm
The reason the Las Plamas required the exact amount of admission was because during the mid ‘70s this was an automated cinema with no attendant.
I visited the Las Palmas Cinemat in the summer of '74. The marquee advertised 'TWO ALL MALE HITS’. No titles were listed on the marquee, but postercases had white plastic lettering on black velvet that announced the films playing as “Screentest”, and “Country Chicken Goes to Town”.
A roomy, but bare lobby was decorated in red flock on gold foil wallpaper. Each side wall had fluted sconces holding large white globe lighting fixtures. Red swirl carpeting covered a raked floor. In the far right corner was a turnstile where a flashing red arrow pointed to a slot in which a crisp five dollar bill had to be inserted in order to activate a metal revolving door geared to admit one person at a time.
Popcorn, coffee, and candy vending machines stood against the far end of a long standee. These machines provided the only light source for this dim area.
The auditorium was Victorian styled with sidewalls lined in gilt framed, red velvet sound baffle boards. Within each crimson sqaure were three cluster globe light fixtures, but they were not lit. What appeared to be a vaulted ceiling was painted black. A gently slanted orchestra floor lead down to a nice sized stage apron topped by a scallop valence, backed by plush drapery. For one reason or other other all back row chairs had been removed, which was a hazard in such a dark theatre!
There was another automated theatre in Tulsa called Trix Cinemat that was very similar to the Las Palmas Theatre.
I haven’t visited Norman in quite a while, but have been told the cinema structure still stands. It sat catty-corner to the Cinema East, at the far corner (elbow) of Switzerland Fashion Mall.
I remember that around 1975 the Heisman 4 tried a new scheme that was circulating aroung the nation. The idea was to offer “subscription ticket sales” on the strength of big name stars who had upcoming pictures that were still in production, or scheduled to go into production within a years time. This was nothing more than a form of block booking and it failed to catch on with the movie going public.
I spent the summer of ‘74 in Hollywood and went to an automated adult cinema similar to this one. Can’t remember the theatre name, but do believe it was located on Las Palmas, just off Hollywood Blvd, because it was around the corner from an imfamous bar called The Golden Tea Cup.
The theatre had no attendant. Admission was thru a self pay steel revolving turnstile. Concessions were dispensed via vending machines. It was an attractive place, all decked out in Victorian red plush. I do remember the films playing were entitled “Screentest”, and “Country Chicken Goes to Town”.
During the summer of ‘45 lovely swimwear models were photographed inside the sunken lobby of the State Theater. The State usually kept their interior in “like new” condition, but wartime shortages may explain the rundown appearance of the area during this time frame. Note torn drapes and missing carpeting.
To see pictures type in word “swimsuit” – View link
Apparently a billiard parlor was originally included within the Liberty layout. To view an exterior (c1920) shot of the Liberty Theatre type in the word “billiard” - View link
If you wish, you can type in the name “Liberty” instead, but you’ll have to browse through a lot of other Liberty theatres, and a number of bank buildings.
1908 picture shows McAlester’s first Public Library surrounded by Busby Theatre billboards – View link
1910 picture of Busby Theatre –
[]http://mcalesterphotos.com/4DACTION/mp_mpc_Get_Rec/4062/View/@@/2/28](http://mcalesterphotos.com/4DACTION/mp_mpc_Get_Rec/4062/View/@@/2/28[/url)[/url]
1924 picture of Busby Hotel fire (built 1905, burned 1924, converted into courthouse 1925) – View link View link
1955 picture of Pittsburg County Court House with Busby Theatre seen in background – View link
1970 picture of Busby Theatre after conversion into a church – View link
The Aldridge Hotel also billed itself as fireproof? View link View link
In response to Mr. Vogel’s 7/9/09 posting.
Though built shoulder to shoulder, the Warner Liberty Theatre lobby and auditorium were actually two seperate buildings. In 1950 a Modernistic structure replaced the original lobby. The 1915 auditorium was only remodeled (if stripping away all ornamentation could be considered remodeling). Lush drapes were installed, and a wall was built midway across the balcony to decrease balcony seating capacity by half.
Jeff Chapman’s 1970 snapshot from CT shows the Cooper auditorium and stagehouse on photo left- View link
A photo of the former Busby Hotel where many famed vaudeville folk once slept (Building was converted long ago into Pittsburg County Courthouse).
The Busby Theatre sat directly behind the hotel. View link
Animal acts had to stay at the Aldridge Hotel because there were holding cages located in the vast basement. http://www.flickr.com/photos/imarcc/2748053515/
This information comes from the description supplied with the postcards.
“They [Shubert Bros] hired Joplin architect Austin Allen to design the building and supervise its construction.
At the Shubert’s grand opening on January 20, 1908, "one of the greatest theatrical nights” in Joplin history, patrons paid $10 a seat to watch “Maria of the Lowlands,” starring Bertha Kalich, an outstanding actress of the period. After that evening, the Shubert beat the competition hands down, siphoning away business from the venerable Club Theatre.
Local newspapers gushed about the ambiance and amenities of the new playhouse, where “quiet, rich elegance pervades” in the green, gold, and ivory decorations. A huge canopy of glass, steel, and burnished copper over the three double doors made for a grand entrance sheltered from the weather. The 40 x 80 feet stage accommodated just about any production imaginable. Joplin’s well-heeled citizens could reserve special box seating in the orchestra and first balcony; the auditorium seated 1,520 on its main floor and two balconies. Visiting performers appreciated the fifteen posh dressing rooms, each equipped with electricity, hot and cold water, and handsome mirrors. "
Projectors, concession fixtures, and boxoffice devices for the Tower Drive-In were recycled equipment from the old Rex Theatre.
Oklahoma State Historical Society has vintage photos of this cinema when it was known as Rex. To see images type in name ‘Rex Theatre’ on below site -
View link
According to the street view on google map, the Western Equipment Building is very attractive Spanish styling and still looks like a theatre. I really like those second story arched windows!
Anyone know where I can get in touch with Bill L. Love? Mr. Love was city manager for all four Video Independent Theatres in Norman throughout the ‘60s and '70s, and he is an expert on Oklahoma theatre history.
Turns out that the Hollywood theatre I mentioned above was called the Las Palmas Cinemat.
This is a reply to Ken Mac’s 08/12/07 post (Better late than never) -
http://tinyurl.com/3a5ytm
The reason the Las Plamas required the exact amount of admission was because during the mid ‘70s this was an automated cinema with no attendant.
I visited the Las Palmas Cinemat in the summer of '74. The marquee advertised 'TWO ALL MALE HITS’. No titles were listed on the marquee, but postercases had white plastic lettering on black velvet that announced the films playing as “Screentest”, and “Country Chicken Goes to Town”.
A roomy, but bare lobby was decorated in red flock on gold foil wallpaper. Each side wall had fluted sconces holding large white globe lighting fixtures. Red swirl carpeting covered a raked floor. In the far right corner was a turnstile where a flashing red arrow pointed to a slot in which a crisp five dollar bill had to be inserted in order to activate a metal revolving door geared to admit one person at a time.
Popcorn, coffee, and candy vending machines stood against the far end of a long standee. These machines provided the only light source for this dim area.
The auditorium was Victorian styled with sidewalls lined in gilt framed, red velvet sound baffle boards. Within each crimson sqaure were three cluster globe light fixtures, but they were not lit. What appeared to be a vaulted ceiling was painted black. A gently slanted orchestra floor lead down to a nice sized stage apron topped by a scallop valence, backed by plush drapery. For one reason or other other all back row chairs had been removed, which was a hazard in such a dark theatre!
There was another automated theatre in Tulsa called Trix Cinemat that was very similar to the Las Palmas Theatre.
I haven’t visited Norman in quite a while, but have been told the cinema structure still stands. It sat catty-corner to the Cinema East, at the far corner (elbow) of Switzerland Fashion Mall.
I remember that around 1975 the Heisman 4 tried a new scheme that was circulating aroung the nation. The idea was to offer “subscription ticket sales” on the strength of big name stars who had upcoming pictures that were still in production, or scheduled to go into production within a years time. This was nothing more than a form of block booking and it failed to catch on with the movie going public.
I spent the summer of ‘74 in Hollywood and went to an automated adult cinema similar to this one. Can’t remember the theatre name, but do believe it was located on Las Palmas, just off Hollywood Blvd, because it was around the corner from an imfamous bar called The Golden Tea Cup.
The theatre had no attendant. Admission was thru a self pay steel revolving turnstile. Concessions were dispensed via vending machines. It was an attractive place, all decked out in Victorian red plush. I do remember the films playing were entitled “Screentest”, and “Country Chicken Goes to Town”.
Research reveals that this (original) Boomer Theatre sat at 764 Asp., directly across the street from the second Boomer Theatre.
During the summer of ‘45 lovely swimwear models were photographed inside the sunken lobby of the State Theater. The State usually kept their interior in “like new” condition, but wartime shortages may explain the rundown appearance of the area during this time frame. Note torn drapes and missing carpeting.
To see pictures type in word “swimsuit” –
View link
Apparently a billiard parlor was originally included within the Liberty layout. To view an exterior (c1920) shot of the Liberty Theatre type in the word “billiard” -
View link
If you wish, you can type in the name “Liberty” instead, but you’ll have to browse through a lot of other Liberty theatres, and a number of bank buildings.
On this site can be found period exterior and interior photos of the Ramona Theatre. In search field type in name Ramona -
View link
Architect William A. Wells designed the Delmar Garden Theatre, and most all buildings within the park.
View link
1908 picture shows McAlester’s first Public Library surrounded by Busby Theatre billboards –
View link
1910 picture of Busby Theatre –
[]http://mcalesterphotos.com/4DACTION/mp_mpc_Get_Rec/4062/View/@@/2/28](http://mcalesterphotos.com/4DACTION/mp_mpc_Get_Rec/4062/View/@@/2/28[/url)[/url]
1924 picture of Busby Hotel fire (built 1905, burned 1924, converted into courthouse 1925) –
View link
View link
1955 picture of Pittsburg County Court House with Busby Theatre seen in background –
View link
1970 picture of Busby Theatre after conversion into a church –
View link
The Aldridge Hotel also billed itself as fireproof?
View link
View link
Presented on this site is a c1959 photo of the Cinerama Cooper Theater -
http://cinerama.topcities.com/coopercinerama.htm
Oops, Cooper Theater is seen PHOTO RIGHT in the above mentioned snapshot.
In response to Mr. Vogel’s 7/9/09 posting.
Though built shoulder to shoulder, the Warner Liberty Theatre lobby and auditorium were actually two seperate buildings. In 1950 a Modernistic structure replaced the original lobby. The 1915 auditorium was only remodeled (if stripping away all ornamentation could be considered remodeling). Lush drapes were installed, and a wall was built midway across the balcony to decrease balcony seating capacity by half.
Jeff Chapman’s 1970 snapshot from CT shows the Cooper auditorium and stagehouse on photo left-
View link
Concession stand 2004 shot of the Okla Theatre. Modern dropped ceiling hid Art Deco detailing and the encirling mazzanine.
View link
A photo of the former Busby Hotel where many famed vaudeville folk once slept (Building was converted long ago into Pittsburg County Courthouse).
The Busby Theatre sat directly behind the hotel.
View link
Animal acts had to stay at the Aldridge Hotel because there were holding cages located in the vast basement.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/imarcc/2748053515/
From the Okemah Public Library comes this detailed history of the Crystal Theatre -
View link
This information comes from the description supplied with the postcards.
“They [Shubert Bros] hired Joplin architect Austin Allen to design the building and supervise its construction.
At the Shubert’s grand opening on January 20, 1908, "one of the greatest theatrical nights” in Joplin history, patrons paid $10 a seat to watch “Maria of the Lowlands,” starring Bertha Kalich, an outstanding actress of the period. After that evening, the Shubert beat the competition hands down, siphoning away business from the venerable Club Theatre.
Local newspapers gushed about the ambiance and amenities of the new playhouse, where “quiet, rich elegance pervades” in the green, gold, and ivory decorations. A huge canopy of glass, steel, and burnished copper over the three double doors made for a grand entrance sheltered from the weather. The 40 x 80 feet stage accommodated just about any production imaginable. Joplin’s well-heeled citizens could reserve special box seating in the orchestra and first balcony; the auditorium seated 1,520 on its main floor and two balconies. Visiting performers appreciated the fifteen posh dressing rooms, each equipped with electricity, hot and cold water, and handsome mirrors. "
These multiple Shubert Theatre postcard views seem to span various time periods. Also included is the Club Theatre.
View link
Shown here is a vintage postcard image of the Shubert Theatre.
View link
This 1937 airplane view shows that the Lyric Theatre (left of center) had a nice size stagehouse. There also appears to be a modern marquee.
View link