To the right of the Kuhn where the archway is is the Gem Theatre, the first movie theatre Lebanon had. It’s used for live performances now. I hope the Kuhn owner can replace the plastic in their marquee. The yellow plastic makes it look trashy.
Are you sure you’ve got the right picture? I was in a store in the lobby of the theatre shown in this photo several years ago and that building was slated for the wrecking ball. The Kuhn is actually several blocks west.
Film prints will be available longer than that. They should attempt to get community support for fund raising. If the owners need a manager I’m available.
Probably the worst thing they did was twinning the thing. But I believe it could be successful as a twin. It all depends on how it’s booked. I don’t think live performances would work. Thw auditoriums are now too small and it does not appear to have fly screens.
What a shame. It was an absolutely beautiful theatre when I worked there as a projectionist in the late 60s. It has two Century and one Simplex E-7 projectors. It probable could have been saved if the owners knew how to program the place.
There are still some film copies made of just about every film. Perhaps Mr. Anderson should use a booker who is familiar with dealing with the distributors.
Whenever I read about a theatre in Florida I always wonder “Don’t those people realize is they have a 16 inch tsunami the whole state will be under water?” I think they call mole hills “mountains” down there.
The theatre has been purchased by a Portland businessman who is working on reopening it. I have the unique privilege of advising him. I believe it will be the beginning of revitalizing the Foster-Powell section of SE Portland.
I owned this theatre in the mid-sixties. It and I were written up in Boxoffice magazine because of the programming I initiated. It was all country music. The first picture was “Your Cheating Heart” with George Hamilton as Hank Williams. It packed the place out. I was also written up in the local IA paper for giving my union projectionist a raise without the union having to ask for it.
The last Sterling house I worked as an IA operator was the Lynn Twin. I met my wife there. Next month we will celebrate our 42nd anniversary. The Lynn Twin (in Lynnwood) is now a non-profit storage facility last used as the Lynn Four.
Do you suppose this guy is a troll? This is the third time I have responded to a post he has made on different websites regarding different theatres and he has never responded.
I am an experienced theatre operator. I would be very interested in discussing your operation and offer but I cannot find an email address for you. Please drop me a note at
Good job Bob. You and I share the same birth year and have had some of the same experiences. The only difference is that at 14 I entered the theatre business and stayed for 25 years. Thanks for the memories.
There is plenty of used 35mm equipment available which costs a lot less than new and will last for many years. Any theatre supply company can help you. Try www.iceco.com They also handle 16mm.
The guys are right. The last 16mm print was made in about 2006 and DVDs look better than an old 16mm print. If you can get what you want on DVD then I wouldn’t consider 35mm. Make sure what you are showing is covered by your public performance license or you will have to deal directly with the distributor of that film.
To the right of the Kuhn where the archway is is the Gem Theatre, the first movie theatre Lebanon had. It’s used for live performances now. I hope the Kuhn owner can replace the plastic in their marquee. The yellow plastic makes it look trashy.
The building shown is actually the Park theatre on Sherman Street and is probably demolished by now.
Are you sure you’ve got the right picture? I was in a store in the lobby of the theatre shown in this photo several years ago and that building was slated for the wrecking ball. The Kuhn is actually several blocks west.
The perfect town for an arthouse. If the new owner reads these posts: I am an experienced theatre manager and I’m available.
The caption says “…with only 800 remaining drive-ins…”. That may be down from 5,000 several decades ago but is up from 500 just a few years ago.
Film prints will be available longer than that. They should attempt to get community support for fund raising. If the owners need a manager I’m available.
Probably the worst thing they did was twinning the thing. But I believe it could be successful as a twin. It all depends on how it’s booked. I don’t think live performances would work. Thw auditoriums are now too small and it does not appear to have fly screens.
What a shame. It was an absolutely beautiful theatre when I worked there as a projectionist in the late 60s. It has two Century and one Simplex E-7 projectors. It probable could have been saved if the owners knew how to program the place.
The theatre has been sold.
Boy! I hope they have painted that building.
There are still some film copies made of just about every film. Perhaps Mr. Anderson should use a booker who is familiar with dealing with the distributors.
Whenever I read about a theatre in Florida I always wonder “Don’t those people realize is they have a 16 inch tsunami the whole state will be under water?” I think they call mole hills “mountains” down there.
The theatre has been purchased by a Portland businessman who is working on reopening it. I have the unique privilege of advising him. I believe it will be the beginning of revitalizing the Foster-Powell section of SE Portland.
I owned this theatre in the mid-sixties. It and I were written up in Boxoffice magazine because of the programming I initiated. It was all country music. The first picture was “Your Cheating Heart” with George Hamilton as Hank Williams. It packed the place out. I was also written up in the local IA paper for giving my union projectionist a raise without the union having to ask for it.
The last Sterling house I worked as an IA operator was the Lynn Twin. I met my wife there. Next month we will celebrate our 42nd anniversary. The Lynn Twin (in Lynnwood) is now a non-profit storage facility last used as the Lynn Four.
When did the phrase “lace up” replace “thread up”?
My valid email is I can also be reached at Also and Thanks.
Do you suppose this guy is a troll? This is the third time I have responded to a post he has made on different websites regarding different theatres and he has never responded.
I am an experienced theatre operator. I would be very interested in discussing your operation and offer but I cannot find an email address for you. Please drop me a note at
Bob Allen
I thought Coming Attractions Theatres owned the Egyptian. I wonder when they sold it to the city?
Glen – I have the same inquiry as I do on CinemaTour.
Good job Bob. You and I share the same birth year and have had some of the same experiences. The only difference is that at 14 I entered the theatre business and stayed for 25 years. Thanks for the memories.
There is plenty of used 35mm equipment available which costs a lot less than new and will last for many years. Any theatre supply company can help you. Try www.iceco.com They also handle 16mm.
The guys are right. The last 16mm print was made in about 2006 and DVDs look better than an old 16mm print. If you can get what you want on DVD then I wouldn’t consider 35mm. Make sure what you are showing is covered by your public performance license or you will have to deal directly with the distributor of that film.
I hope the city returned it to its original state rather than the cut up version left by the former owner.