 July 2002 exterior view of the Rodgers Theatre Photo courtesy of Benjamin F. Traxel, AIA
It was built for I. W. Rodgers, who opened his first theater in Poplar Bluff in 1914, eventually acquiring almost all of the theaters in town.
The Rodgers had 1160 'Bodyform' seats in its auditorium, a balcony, and a crying room, which had a soundproof glass window which allowed mothers to still view the movie.
Early ads for the Rodgers made much of the fact that it was air-conditioned and heated, and was hailed as the most modern theater between Saint Louis and Memphis when it opened.
Its front doors were made of solid walnut, and the circular shaped main lobby contained leather benches and a concession stand. Staircases led up to the balcony and down to the restrooms.
Also as part of the Rodgers Building, there was a dime store on the main floor and offices above the theater.
The Rodger's marquee was illuminated by neon lighting, and contained a tower with the name of the theater in large red letters, as well as multicolored panels behind the tower.
The first film shown at the Rodgers was Red Canyon with George Brent and Ann Blyth. Close to 2000 people attended the opening day festivities, including the mayor of Pine Bluff, who cut the ribbon and purchased the first ticket.
In the ensuing years, the ticket booth was closed, and the theater was divided into two screens.
The theater was sold by the Rodgers family to the Kerasotes chain in 1966, which continued to operate the theater until it was closed in 1999, due to the chain's opening a new multiplex theater nearby.
After closing the Rodgers, Kerasotes donated the theater to Butler County. Since 2007, the Rodgers Theatre has hosted ocassional live concerts with proceeds going to the theater's ongoing restoration. County offices are now located in the former theater office space on the second floor.
Contributed by Bryan Krefft
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