But this entry from a self-guided tour says otherwise.
Chaba Theatre
Located next door at 604 Connaught Drive
For a place that was named after the
Stoney Aboriginal word for ‘beaver’,
in 1923 you were more likely to have
a Santa Claus sighting or spy a star
on the silver screen than spot any
long tails and tall teeth.
The Chaba theatre was built for
$5000 and worth every penny for the
families who enjoyed this still-cherished
community landmark. Talent
shows, stage performances and free
movies lit up the stage that was also
used for Christmas visits from Santa,
who would delight the little ones
with candies and stories.
Here’s an interview with the current owners. Not much history, but he says the theater has been there since 1928 and he has been running it since 1972.
http://www.projectionproject.com/blog/?p=546
It looks like there is some movement to save the facade of the theater, although this was a year ago, and nothing seems to have been done yet.
http://swamplot.com/the-deluxe-theaters-next-act-fifth-ward-zydeco-library/2010-04-29/
Weingarten Realty doesn’t seem to worry too much about PR. They depend on people having short memories. Fortunately the Alabama is still standing. I think it has more to do with the bad economy than anything positive happening.
There is an old bank at the address mentioned above. I asked they lady at the information booth in the City Hall building, and she said the theater was at the site that is now a Silversmith shop. That would put it at 205 E Main Street.
Based on Google maps, it looks like it has been demolished.
If the address is correct, this is a park now. Should show as demolished.
But this entry from a self-guided tour says otherwise.
Chaba Theatre Located next door at 604 Connaught Drive For a place that was named after the Stoney Aboriginal word for ‘beaver’, in 1923 you were more likely to have a Santa Claus sighting or spy a star on the silver screen than spot any long tails and tall teeth. The Chaba theatre was built for $5000 and worth every penny for the families who enjoyed this still-cherished community landmark. Talent shows, stage performances and free movies lit up the stage that was also used for Christmas visits from Santa, who would delight the little ones with candies and stories.
http://www.shannonmelnyk.com/the-goods/samples/Friends-of-Jasper.pdf
Here’s an interview with the current owners. Not much history, but he says the theater has been there since 1928 and he has been running it since 1972. http://www.projectionproject.com/blog/?p=546
It looks like the Tex-Mex restaurant is now open. They have also spruced up the marquee and facade of building.
The theater is now an art gallery and event space.
It looks like there is some movement to save the facade of the theater, although this was a year ago, and nothing seems to have been done yet. http://swamplot.com/the-deluxe-theaters-next-act-fifth-ward-zydeco-library/2010-04-29/
Weingarten Realty doesn’t seem to worry too much about PR. They depend on people having short memories. Fortunately the Alabama is still standing. I think it has more to do with the bad economy than anything positive happening.
It looks like a lot of work is being done. Here are some pictures including the inside of the theater.
View link
There is an old bank at the address mentioned above. I asked they lady at the information booth in the City Hall building, and she said the theater was at the site that is now a Silversmith shop. That would put it at 205 E Main Street.
Here are some pictures. http://www.flickr.com/photos/kgtband/4916032855/
Judging from Google Maps, the building next to it in the 40’s postcard is still there, but the theater is now a parking garage