Thompson Theatre

Atoka, OK

11 N. Ohio

, Atoka, OK 74525 United States

(map)

Status:	Open
Screens:	Single Screen
Style:	Unknown

Function:	Movies
Seats:	356
Chain:	Unknown

Architect:	Unknown
Firm:	Unknown

This is a small town theatre that looks to be in shabby shape but is still in operation on week ends.

The side of the theatre along Rt. 3 has a mural painted from one end of the theatre to the other depicting historic sites and events in the area of Atoka. The front of the building gives the impression that the theatre has been boarded up since all but one door is closed in and painted a dark flat burgundy.

The theatre has a nice maquee but it seems that it is not in use as there was no attractions listed on it. It stretches from one side of the building to the other with the name in neon above each side.

Contributed by Chuch Van Bibber

YOUR COMMENTS

"The mural at the Thompson Theater is a project of the Atoka County Historical Society with Sherrie Cochran as the artist. The design was hers, and as she outlined it on the wall, many friends and Society members assisted with the painting".

posted by Lost Memory on Jan 14, 2005 at 6:31am

What a depressing description how do they stay open?

posted by RobertR on Jan 14, 2005 at 6:37am

I don't know if this theater is still open. I can't find any current movie listings for it. There are photos of this theater here:
http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=6104

posted by Lost Memory on Jan 14, 2005 at 6:54am

I spoke to the city manager yesterday. This theatre is now a dance studio. It closed sometime in the '70s. It was named after the Thompson family who, she explained, moved away during that time period. Atoka has no other theatres. She related some memories of the Thompson from her youth. Like too many other theatres, this one's gone.

posted by brentclarkf on Jan 24, 2005 at 8:51pm

My father, Edwin Phillips, managed the Thompson Theatre. Yes, the Thompson family of Oklahoma City owned several theatres in various small towns in Oklahoma. Before the 'new' Thompson Theatre opened about 1954, there was the old Thompson on Court Street and the Pix Theatre was across the street. There was also the Choctaw Drive-In south of town.

posted by Ron Phillips on Aug 16, 2005 at 12:22pm

The 1980 motion picture almanac lists John N. Thompson as president of Thompson Theaters Co. Three theaters in Atoka were listed - the Thompson, the Watson and the Choctaw Drive-In.

posted by ken mc on Sep 14, 2007 at 4:49pm

This is a 2007 photo. It doesn't look open in the photo.

posted by Lost Memory on Feb 14, 2008 at 1:54pm

I believe that my grandfather, Duane Conner, designed this theater in 1953. I found an old resume of his from that era, and it lists this theater. He also designed the Thompson Theater in Healdton, OK, which, from what his notes say, is similar in design. When designed, the theater had a capacity of 550 seats.

posted by Lynne on Apr 20, 2008 at 4:14pm

We are planning to reopen the Thompson Theater in Tishomingo, OK. Any information and photos of the old theater would be greatly appreciated.

posted by mrswilson on Nov 15, 2008 at 6:10pm

Header should read Closed, theatre is closed and boarded up. Also the correct addres should be:
122 N. Ohio Ave.
Atoka, Ok. 74525

posted by Chuck1231 on Nov 21, 2009 at 11:01pm

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