Youth Center Theatre

Walsenburg, CO

715 Main Street

, Walsenburg, CO 81089 United States

(map)

Status:	Open
Screens:	Single Screen
Style:	Art Deco

Function:	Movies, Special Events
Seats:	616
Chain:	Independent

Architect:	I.H. Rapp
Firm:	Rapp & Rapp

The original name of the theatre, Star, was designed by the Trinidad Firm of I.H. and W.M. Rapp for Paul Krier in 1916. It opened on July 24, 1917. The Walsenburg World newspaper commented, "Besides being a high-class picture show-house, the Star is now Walsenburg's largest and best equipped hall for plays, vaudeville or conventions."

A Wurlitzer-Hope Jones pipe organ was installed in 1923. In July 1929, talking pictures were introduced, the interior redecorated into a Spanish theme and in August 1929 is was renamed the Valencia. One month later the Fox West Coast Theatre Corp. purchased the theatre and the name was changed to Fox-Valencia. In 1941 the building received a thorough remodeling including an Art Deco facade and became the Fox. The theatre was closed in 1987.

After a major grant-funded renovation, the theatre reopened in 1992 under the auspices of the Huerfano Youth and Arts Foundation under the direction of George Birrer. It continues to hold stage performances and on weekends shows motion pictures.

The interior is in very good condition. Years ago the pipe organ was given to the local Catholic church. A few years ago it was returned to the theatre and awaits funds to restore it. The marquee still has a vertical "Fox" sign.

Contributed by Ken Fletcher

YOUR COMMENTS

The 1941 edition of Film Daily Yearbook lists the Valencia Theatre with a seating capacity of 684 and operated by Fox Intermountain Theaters Inc. In the 1943 edition of F.D.Y. it has been re-named Fox Theatre with a seating capacity of 669. Same details apply in 1950 but with a seating capacity given as 616 and still operated by Fox Intermountain Theaters Inc.

posted by KenRoe on Aug 17, 2006 at 12:10am

Here is a photo of the former Fox theater.

posted by Lost Memory on Oct 9, 2006 at 7:10am

The Fox is up and running as a movie theatre again. The front of the building as well as the upright FOX sign and the marquee have been restored. The neon looks GREAT!!

posted by compass drive ins on Sep 23, 2007 at 11:48pm

This is a May 2008 photo.

posted by Lost Memory on Jun 2, 2008 at 1:29pm

Here is a photo taken before the front of the building was restored.

posted by Lost Memory on Nov 26, 2008 at 7:48am

A September 2008 photo can be seen here.

posted by Lost Memory on Nov 26, 2008 at 9:18am

The Fox as it looked in 1997:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/34152329@N06/3473522913/in/set-72157617054310351/

posted by Kevin Dennis on Apr 26, 2009 at 2:04pm

Here are some 1984 photos:

Photo1

Photo2

Photo3

posted by Lost Memory on May 24, 2009 at 10:08am

A 2009 photo is here.

posted by Lost Memory on Jul 20, 2009 at 7:58pm

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