25th Street Theatre

hello jake. this is robert-bob. of course, i have a pic of 25th.

The 25th Street Theatre in Waco, Texas, was built around 1946 by Interstate Theatres, a chain with headquarters in Dallas. I don't know the name of the architect, but whoever he was he designed a number of houses for the chain, including the Inwood, Wilshire, Esquire, Forest, and Circle in Dallas, Texas which were built at about the same period as the 25th Street Theatre. In fact, the Wilshire and Circle were built on the same blueprint design as the 25th Street Theatre, except the Wilshire and Circle had balconys. The Arcadia is an old house, built in 1926, (not by Interstate), for vaudeville and silent pictures. It had a theater organ and the loft that held the pipes on each side of the proscenium can still be seen, although empty. The organ was donated by the owner to Baylor University in 1935. It was modified and installed in Waco Hall on the Baylor campus. Little Richard and I used to sneak in and play it. The Arcadia was leased and operated by Interstate in the '30s until they opened the Lakewood, when the operation of the Arcadia reverted back to it owner. The Wilshire continued to operate profitably until the value of its land became so high that it was steel balled and a shopping center was built on the site. This happened about 1978. It was a luxury house with an animated neon facade that has never been duplicated that I know of. I wish I had a picture of it. After the money grubbers got through destroying the beautiful things, the only theatres, mentioned above, left standing are the Inwood, (still a first run art house), the Circle, (a bingo parlor), and the Forest, (now a black theatre that operates off and on and is in a bad neighborhood).

I recently went to the Waco city hall and did an open records request concerning this building. It has been RED TAGGED and is now slated for demolition, although no definite date was provided, so maybe there is still time to save it. I viewed pictures the city inspector took and the place is a disaster, amazing enough the mural of the Chariots on the south wall is still intact, but bady water damaged.
The current owner Mr. C.E. Olsen Jr. of Las Vegas NV has kept up taxes on the property but that is it, which makes no sense. Why pay taxes on a building you are letting deteriorate? Sell it, or donate it.
Here is the Bldg. Inspctors Comments word for word dated 3/8/01........
THIS IS A HISTORICAL BUILDING AND SHOULD BE PRESERVED AS A LANDMARK. REAL POOR CONDITION. ROOF HAS SEVERAL WATER LEAKS. ALL AC DUCTS ARE ROTTED AND HAVE STARTED FALLING DOWN. WALL COVERING FALLING FROM SEVERAL WALLS. LARGE MARQUEE (NEON VERTICAL SIGN) HAS LARGE CRACKS AND IS IN DANGER OF COLLAPSING. NEEDS AN ENGINEER TO LOOK AT THE ENTIRE STRUCTURE.

I will be calling the Historic Waco Foundation to see if there is a way to get the building granted landmark status and somehow stop the demolition before its too late.

From the pics that I have of the 25th Street from Sept. 2003 it looks like everything on both sides of the theatre are all boarded up also. Does the owner have the properties on both sides of the theatre too?

He owns the property on the southside of the Theatre, that housed the Mikes Print Shop & 25th St. Beauty Salon, and also the parking area behind the theatre, but from what I read, the records didnt state the property on the north was owned by him.

Jake, you probably don't remember me - I'm a friend of Rob-Bob's from the OL - Tallulah's days. Didn't hang much at 25th, as I was living in Dallas (mostly lived at Starck!), but hit it a few times. I just got this site address from him. Is there ANY chance 25th can be saved? I'm in Tucson, but my parents are still in Waco, and my mom loves civic projects. Is it realistic, or is it time to let the old girl die?

Creig Miller

Yes I do remember you.
I think it can be saved......I have the city inspectors reports and to me it seems like that its able to be better than before. Most of the violations were electrical, and a small part of the roof has caved in over one of the rooms next to the projection room, air conditioning system is shot, rats and roaches everywhere, and the carpet and mural have severe water damage and are moldy, also the windows in the box office and front doors are gone and have been boarded up.
Have your mom email me at litemaster2k4@yahoo.com
thanks for replying

nice attitude man, are you taking anger management?

girl, michael just hasn't consumed enough ecstasy during his lifetime and is in a bad mood. apparently, he just was not part of the "in-crowd" and is a little horsey-torsey! oh, mr. ed! a note to michael: you should do a little history project and determine the value that this theatre has provided to the city of waco. i am sure you would have the same tired attitude had you seen the mighty hippodrome before it was brought back to her glory. now, go take some ecstasy, and call somebody who cares in the morning!

my new email is jakevanek@yahoo.com

Hi Jake! I have some old pictures of 25th St but none show any of the architecture inside. I'll be e-mailing them to you shortly. If you or Rob-Bob have a picture of the 25th St marque you should really post it on this website. It looks so bare without it.

Michael, you should take your bad attitude, your repeatedly dumb symphony hall comments and step in front of the next moving vehicle.

As to photos of this theatre, can someone post them online and add a link here?

Edward, the pictures I have include people that used to go to the club. Were you considered a regular at 25th St?

i have forwarded a couple of pics to jake and he has posted them on this website under news. just type 25th street theatre in the box - check news - and select search, and you will be taken to the site with the pics. one of the pics is 25th at night with my car, little richard's car, and big richard's car in front. in the pic, the green outline neon on the sign is not on, just the pink letter neon. but the orange racing neon on the front of the building is on. that is my favorite neon on the club. it was very art-deco. we could turn on certain parts of the marque or all of it, depending on our mood! do i know kelly samford? if you went to 25th, you certainly have to know me!

kelly, you said you had pics of people from the club. do you happen to have any of me, or of richard - michael - keith - christopher - thurman - matt - horry - etc.?

I have some pictures of Keith and Thurman.

Here is updated information on what I first posted.
The 25th Street Theatre opened in November of 1945, the first movie to be played was "Thrill of a Romance", with Van Johnson & Esther Williams. Admission was 40 cents on Friday and Saturday Nights,30 cents for weekday matinees and 12 cents for children all the time.
Interstate Theatres built and operated it.
It contained 780 seats but after 2 screen enlargements dropped the number down to 646, not the 900 that I originaly posted, that was the occupancy rating when it was a club.
When she opened in 45, she was considered the "NEWEST AND MOST MODERN OF ITS KIND", complete with aircondtioning & state of the art sound equipment.
The Charioteers Mural that adore the Theatre walls were designed by Eugene Gilbo.
Some of the movies that played there include, STAR WARS, GONE WITH THE WIND (rereleased in the 60s), OLD YELLER (which held Waco attendance records for many years and still might), and BAMBI (the LAST film played there when it closed as a theatre in July 1982).
I am trying to compile as much Historical data on this building and then present it to the City Of Waco and try to get it designated as a Landmark, in an effort to stop demoltion.
my email is jakevanek@yahoo.com

Hopefully there is still time to save this.

Hey Rob Bob...it's Trina! How have you been sweetie? I ran into Jake and he wants to organize something to save the old theater. It has had a red sticker on it for some time now. With the neighborhood it is located I really don't think the ladies who lunch will be very interested in this project. But who knows...it is always worth a try.

hey trina ... remember downtown was a dump before they restored the HIPPODROME.
i have started a webpage devoted to it, heres the link
http://hometown.aol.com/savethe25th/index.html

Jake, the building definitely seems worth preserving. The sign is great and worth relighting in itself. (even if the building is used for an alternate purpose) Mr. Olsen needs to be convinced of the importance of preserving this building. It is often difficult to convince people that post-war theatres are equally as important as early examples.

what is your email info edward and i'll send you Mr. Olsen's address.
I will be writing a letter to him myself in an effort to get him to either sell it or Donate it, possibly to myself, then start a fund-raiser to at least get it back up to code, then go from there.
My intentions for it would be for private functions, plays, pageants, reunions, etc, then possibly branching out in other areas.
Everyone I have told my ideas to think it would work but there is only one problem.......The Buildings ownership.

You know, those of us who are old enough to have been hanging out at the theater in its glory days are old enough to realize the building's historical significance. I know that there are those folks out there who might think that this is a silly "cause" or a futile effort, but those folks just don't understand what it meant to grow up with that theater. I can't even remember how many movies I saw there as a child. My Mom remarked the other day about how she and Dad used to take me there when I was a baby and sit in the soundproof room for parents with children. To grow up with that majestic building...and then be able to enjoy it after it became the best damned club that this town has ever seen (or is likely to EVER see) was like a gift. Those who have memories of this place (in whatever form) should realize its significance to the community, no matter what neighborhood it's in. I agree with Jake that downtown Waco was a MESS before the city got off its high horse to do
something about it. I know that all of the historical homes in this city are important, but does the Historical Waco Foundation REALLY have to spend all of its time and effort on those? Does the City REALLY need to build another park or add another mile to the Riverwalk? I remember when this place was open as a club how people from Dallas and Austin used to come HERE to go dancing. The City keeps saying how it wants to attract more tourism...how about helping to bring this place back to its former glory...as a theater, museum or whatever?

Mr. Miller, I am deeply touched by your comment. Please contact me ASAP, I need someone like you that has as much love and appreciation for this as me to join my team and get something done.
jakevanek@yahoo.com or savethe25th@aol.com

NEW WEBSITE DEDICATED TO THE PRESERVATION OF THIS THEATRE

http://25thstreettheatrewaco.org/

SOMETHING MAJOR IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN, AND IT ISNT DEMOLITION.....I WILL KEEP EVERYONE POSTED AS EVENTS UNFOLD.

The last owner of the 25th Street Theatre in Waco was Little Richard...one of the kindest men I have ever known. I think many folks' comments here are really a tribute to Richard Olson, not to a simple brick and mortar structure. [Jake, Rob-Bob, good to know you two are still alive. (hee-hee)] I don't know how the 25th Street Theatre can realistically be brought back to life. It would require someone with the dedication, experience and money such as our mousie once had. I completely agree with the historical value placed on this structure, but it would require some serious capital investment to restore this building to even safe occupancy levels - much less into a show-place. I would personally dedicate time and effort to such a project, but I think a more fitting project would be some sort of tribute to Richard, not trying to re-create a party place in the middle of a gang-war...ask Ray Talley what he thinks...is he still around? I miss all my friends (and a few of the enemies, too) from those days. Maybe we can collect our stories about that time and write a fitting tribute to the man who brought all of us together? We can never re-create those glory days, but we can help others better understand a man who was terribly mis-understood, even after his death. Richard Carl Olson was buried in a grave near my grand-parent's in a cemetery in Houston. I attended his funeral along with Ken and Kris and some of Richard's family. Believe me, they had no idea what a kind soul and heart Richard had. Instead of trying to find another party room, let's pay tribute to one of my personal heroes: Richard Carl Olson.

Chris P. heydj23-outerlimits at yahoo dot com

p.s. Hi Jake! Hi Rob-Bob!.... stop that wallerin'!! (just kidding)
p.p.s. I'm looking for the few photos of the 25th Street I do have. You remember the scketch mousie had made of the mural? I wonder where that is??!!

hey chris, the sketch of the mural was traced by consuelo and another woman. the plastic sheets were rolled up and put in the marque letter/number room upstairs next to the projection room. after richard's murder, andy and big richard came to 25th to clear out all the video editting equipment to bring it up to arcadia in dallas. the last i knew, the mural tracings were still in that room along with some old records, etc.

Yes the sketch was still in that room against the wall, but it has been moved to a dryer spot on the stage, surprisingly its the driest area of the theatre....the rest of the upstairs is a complete mess. Lots of water damage from the roof leaking over the years. The brunt of the water damage is in the auditorium. The mural is pretty much gone. As is the plaster which has collapsed all the way down to the brick. Several spots on the ceiling the plaster has fallen. But the roof is still in one piece, and is in no danger of going anywhere as is the rest of the structure. As I mentioned on April 30, 2004: there is something in the works and I am proud to be apart of it, but am limited on what I can let "leak" out.

Richard would be happy to know that he had so many friends who love him and cherish his memory.

Richard Keiffer, (Big Richard)

Oh My God!!! Big Richard how in the hell are you doing? I hope all is well with you. All is good with me.
I have returned to Waco and found out the status of the 25th, and with luck have met Mr. Olsen and another man who is trying to get things done. So far the progress is going good, but tons more needs to be done. Please email me at jakevanek@yahoo.com

Jake: I e-mailed you.

Richard

It's so comforting to know that some of the beautiful people who used to frequent the club are still that way, beautiful, kind and interested in reviving/saving this local treasure. As one of the "under-age regulars", I'm in my 30's now, I was there even on the nights when the place was virtually empty, you see, being a mature, rather strange 15 year old, I had no where else to go. I found many friends there and I was accepted, this place was a constant for me for many years. It is very dear to me and I'm very interested in doing what ever I can to help. Jake, I've emailed you. BTW, Has anyone contacted KXXV about possibly getting the tapes from that 25th Dimension Show? It used to come on Sunday nights, remember, most of the footage was taken when the house was packed wall to wall, might be worth looking into.

Richard-

I wanted to add to my earlier comment a little "thank you" for letting me come in every Friday and Saturday night. You didn't have to but I think you kind of understood that most of us who came to your doors seeking shelter from an otherwise boring an lothsome teenage experience, you let us in. We or at least my friends and I respected that and never did anything illegal within a few blocks of the club. Anyway, without getting all hokey on ya, literally, I would not be here today if that club had not been available to me as a teen and young adult. Many Thanks!!

Kenna

KennaD,

You won't remember me by name, but YOU, my dear, are unforgettable. It's so nice to read your kind words. You obviously understand what the 25th Street Theater represented on a more sublime level - not just a nightclub, but a place for misfits like us to find companionship and acceptance. Such was Little Richard's heart - larger than life, always wanting to help others. Big Richard was the silent partner in that outward expression of compassion. Jake, Rob-Bob and I have been exchanging numerous messages these last few weeks. It has been a sort of therapy, exorcising all the old ghosts. All of us took Richard's murder very personally. We never had the chance to thank him for everything he did for us. This forum is such a blessing for all of us. It is so good to hear from any and all the regulars (and irregulars!) from that period. Please send me an e-mail message to the following address: sonar_target@yahoo.com I have a link to some of Richard's favorite music I'd like to share with you.

Chris P

As a resident of this neighborhood, married to a native of this neighborhood who has fond memories of movies at the 25th, I would love to see this theater revived. From a purely commercial standpoint as a small business owner, I think it would help revitalize the neighborhood commercially. Look at the downtown area.

Oh My gosh! I stumbled upon this website and I am so happy that others feel the same way as me about 25th St. I cried when I heard they were going to tear it down. I miss everything about 25th St. the club in general, the music, the friends and the excitement. Anyway, I would love to see the old videos and see old pictures. I am going to try to look for my old pictures. I am ready to help in whatever way to save this place. Trina and Kelly, Hello! Anyone else who remembers me, please get in touch! iluvme72@yahoo.com

hello all you x-heads,

this is robert-bob. i am sure that any of you out there in the ether net who partied at 25th will certainly remember me. i have often wondered over the years if anybody used to sit back and think of 25th and me like i have thought about all of you. there are just a few of "us" who are personally connected to 25th and richard olsen, such a myself, big richard, jake vanek, chris pinero, christopher carrow, keith lindemann, michael sullivan, thurman jackson. i knew little richard for over ten years and indeed, part of my soul is missing since he was murdered. with that said, there is nothing that should stand in the way of this grand ol' lady from being demolished if the only way to save it is through little richard's father. little richard would never want us to save this building if it meant that we had to go to his father. it is an abomination that richard's father is somehow involved in the effort to save 25th from being demolished. i tell you right here, right now that little richard himself would push the button to dynamite the building before he would have his father involved. this is just the plain truth. it is hard to hear. but if little richard's father is involved in the effort to save 25th, we must all abandon efforts to save it. it IS what little richard would want us all to do. we all have our memories and they will last our lifetimes. i appeal to all of you, please have nothing to do with saving 25th if it means that little richard's father is involved with the effort. thank you - thank you very much.

This is good to know. I definitely would not want to hurt someones' memory. 25th is definitley about the good memories and pictures. I would love to share good times with anyone. The 80's were the best especially when 25th was open. me and my sister used to sneak to Waco to go and there were many times that my dad would come looking for us in an old cowboy hat, some ruff clothes and old lawn mowing cowboy boots. How can anyone forget that? Anyway, I'm sure that many of us know each other by face, but that was quite a while back. Maybe someone can put together a 25th club kid reunion. LOL!

"that which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do. not that the nature of the thing itself has changed, but our power to do it has increased" - emerson

Many people have offered their support, we're just waiting to be called to action. Obviously, this place is near and dear to many people for many reasons. The potential is overwhelming, as well as the undertaking. It is so exciting to hear and see the list of concerned 25 veterans grow. What's next? big hugs to all..

Kenna

AGAIN, I APPEAL TO ALL OF YOU, PLEASE HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH SAVING 25TH IF IT MEANS THAT RICHARD OLSEN'S FATHER IS INVOLVED WITH THE EFFORT. see my message above for further details.

Bob
I have to respect and trust that what you and another person I have spoken to know more about this than most. I trust your opinion is backed with objective, sound evidence that involving his father would not be the way Richard would choose to do this. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone directly involved with this rather covert "revitalization" of the 25th Street Theatre is interested in assistance from any of us. As in most situations involving people like Richard's father, money talks, I bet he has his price and it's probably disgustingly cheap.

Hey everyone .....Sorry its been awhile.
Things are moving along slowly with the theatre but like the old saying goes ROME WASNT BUILT IN A DAY.....so be patient...
Kenna give me a call...254-723-2227.
Robert Bob.....Mr. Olsens only involvement is letting us take over and get something done, which is more than anyone else has tried to do.
Melanie Kirby.....Didnt we go to school together?

Jake--I went to Connally, graduated in 1990. Let me know if it was school or just around!

jake,

surprised to read your comment on cinema treasures and see your new phone number. the last time we spoke, you had no way to contact the "outside world". you said you would contact me as soon as you could. no big deal.

as far as my comments about richard's father's involvement in the restoration efforts of 25th: i do not know if you are aware of all the details regarding little richard's relationship with his father and brother? i can tell you one thing, little richard would never go to them for this. now if the only thing richard's father is involved in is handing the keys over free and clear to an organization to restore 25th - that is okay. but if he will benefit in any way from any transaction, that is not okay. if richard's father or brother benefits in any way, it will be blasphemy in the face of little richard and will not honor him in any way.

the last time we spoke, you were very cryptic about 25th being saved and little richard's father's involvement. over the course of the last couple of months (or whenever it was the last time we spoke), i thought long and hard about richard's father being somehow involved with saving 25th.

i stand by what i typed on cinema treasures and big richard is in agreement with me.

as i mentioned above, if his only involvement is his handing over the keys and deed to the city of waco or to the "save the 25th organization", i am in full support. however, if he or his brother will benefit financially or otherwise from this transaction, i will be in full disagreement because little richard's memory will be smeared by that action.

to change the subject, i hope you are doing well. i have not heard from you in awhile. i got a message on my cell phone with an old 25th street radio ad - was that you? you did not leave a voice message and did not leave any phone number to call you back.

with regards and best wishes,

robert bob

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy" - Martin Luther King Jr.

Our family lived in Waco from Fall, 1951 to Fall, 1954. My brother and I used to go to the Saturday afternoon matinees at the 25th St.
I remember seeing "Hondo" and "Charge at Feather River" in 3-D there.
I also saw my first CinemaScope film at the 25th St.--"River of No Return". Other films I remember seeing there from 1951-1954 were: "Arrowhead", "Duel in the Sun" (re-release), "Abbott & Costello Go to Mars" (single feature), "The Caddy", "My Paul Gus", "Shane", "Take the High Ground", "Pony Express", Walt Disney's "The Living Desert", "The Vanishing Prairie", "Rob Roy" and "Peter Pan", "Hell and High Water" and "Dangerous When Wet".

Gerald Lyda
San Antonio, TX

Wow, just found the website and glad to see that something is at least being considered if not done to bring back this wonderful place that I "think" I remember spending a lot of time at! 25th Street Theatre was a place my folks saw movies on the screen when they were at BU and that I saw movies in my head when I was there. It is a huge part of my (de)formative years. Hi Rob Bob and all...waller on the couch!

Nick Shoop
Dallas, TX

Jake this is Matt Bryan from Whitney. Give me a call if you can. 314-803-0357 cell. I live in St. Louis now, but I can try to help. OK x-cellent!

Matt

Arcadia Equipment List

1 Rane AC 22 Crossover
1 Furman TX 4 Crossover
1MXR Dual 2/3-oct. EQ
1 Rane RE 14 EQ
1 dbx 3bx III dynamic range expander
1 dbx 120 subharmonic synthesizer
4 GII Syatems 750 amps
1 Cerwin Vega A 400 amp
2 Technics SL1200MK2 turntables
1 Denon DN-2000F CD Player
1 Technics RS BR465 cassette deck
1 Rane MP24 DJ Mixer
1 Rane ME 15 micrographic EG
1 Biamp TC 60 pro amp
1 Technics 1700 reel to reel
4 Cerwin Vega V35D Speakers
8 Cerwin Vega L36P Speakers
1 Innova 7 Watt Argon Coherent (Laser Systems Limited Projector)
1 Laser System Maestro-S8000B Laser Controler
1 32’ Video Screen
1 Pulsar 24 Chanel Touch Panel


More to come

1 Mode Electronics 16 Unit sequencer
1 Lite Lab L8000 LGC memory controller
2 30’ x 30’ robotic trusses
2 15’ x 15’ robotic sub trusses
6 Hitachi one-ton hoist
8 500 sub truss hoist
1 Optikinetics 4 channel strobe controller
4 Lightwave Research Robot projectors
1 Marconi RB2 Track ball and Archline AL-2000
1 Coemar Venus controller
1 Coemar Venus 4 Centerpiece
63 rain lights
4 Helicopters
20 Mode Electronics Arclines AL2 chasers
8 Lightwave Reaearch Pulstar strobes
5 Clay Paky Rotazione Oras
4 HiFi BR-7700U video recoeders
1 For a FA400 digital time base corrector
1 TVM 620 Video Tek Monitor
1 Numark PPD DM 1900 audio mixer
1 JVC TM-R14U commercial scan
1 Video Onics video title makers
1 Video Onics video mixer
6 JVC TM-9U color video monitors
1 Kinyo UV 512 cassette rewinder
1 JVC RM-86u Editing control unit
1 Optimus Sta 300 digital received
3 Sony Umatic BVU-920 SP video cassette players
2 Panasonic Video Camcorders

That is all I have listed for what was in 25th Street and Arcadia. Info copied out of DJ Times Sept 1995 issue pg. 57

Does anybody read this anymore? Lets get the ball rolling on saving this theater. And not the Demo-Ball.

Matt

Tell Thurman I said hey. Is Michale S. still around?

Hey guys. I am so stoked about this site. I am 24 years old and didnt have a chance to party with any of you guys, but I have always had this idea in my head about what it was like to dance to New Order, Suicide, PIL, Throbbing Gristle, Wire and so on. My imagination has sparked many ideas about what the late 70's and early 80's club scene was like and felt like i missed out big time. I have always been into dance music every since i can remember. Anyhoo, I was inspired the other night when I was at Trix's (i know right?) and WARM LEATHERETTE played! I saw all these older guys get up and started to dance. I have had neighbors, relatives, and random people tell me all my life how incredible this club used to be. So, I am wanting to put together a documentary about the theatre in general. Maybe a little doc. for the city to see and another one more focused on the club scene. The 25th St. Theatre was inspired me so many different times and i'd like to settle all my confusion and hear some awesome stories about what the club was like. I have enlisted a couple of friends from University of Chicago and Fire Escape Films to help out with the doc. I just got the idea for the project like 2 weeks ago and things seem to be falling into place. This can happen with all your help. I am working on an outline and like to start filming by November 2004. My email is reaganschildren@yahoo.com

Good Morning!

Nice to see there is some fresh interest in the club. I have a feeling you'll get a warm reception here, depending on the questions you ask and people you know, just kidding. Jake, I tried to call you a couple of times, no I didn't leave a voicemail, I'm sure you're busy but write when you are able, I'd love to hear from you. I'll search for the number and try again. I guess the effects of 25 are far reaching beyond my wildest estimates, stretching across time and generations, boggles the mind!! Hugs to all!
Kenna

Kdavis@extracobanks.com

Good Morning!

Nice to see there is some fresh interest in the club. I have a feeling you'll get a warm reception here, depending on the questions you ask and people you know, just kidding. Jake, I tried to call you a couple of times, no I didn't leave a voicemail, I'm sure you're busy but write when you are able, I'd love to hear from you. I'll search for the number and try again. I guess the effects of 25 are far reaching beyond my wildest estimates, stretching across time and generations, boggles the mind!! Hugs to all!
Kenna

Kdavis@extracobanks.com

Kenna:

Glad that you enjoyed 25th St. Both Richard O and myself loved "our kids." It's been quite a while since the club was open and I often wonder where everyone is and what youall are doing. We enjoyed about 10 years in Waco--first at the Outer Limits and then at 25th St. I hope all our customers think of us sometimes and remember the fun times.

Richard K., (Big Richard).

Richard-

I hope you read my past entries, I made specific mention of you, I do think of you often and how different I would have turned out had 25th not been such an huge part of my formative years. Outer Limits was a life changing experience for me, I was quite young, we begged and begged my best friend's older brother to take us, he did. It's a shame I was too young to really appriciate the great time I had. Thanks a million and I hope you are doing well and life has treated you kindly, keep in touch.

Hey Richard,

It is great to hear from you! How is everything? Are you still living in Dallas? I tried to call you about a year ago, but the old ph # I had was disconnected. Do you still talk to Andy, or Jimmy Bartlett?

Jamie and I are doing well. Still living up here in St. Louis. I am working during the week as a Laser Sugery Tech/ Laser Service Tech. I am actually doing what I said I wanted to do when I was in High School. During the weekend I run a mobile DJ company. We DJ mostly weddings. I DJed in the club sceen for about 10 yrs on and off, and realized I could make more money as a wedding DJ. I have 5 employees that work for me. In addition to that we are going to have a baby girl in January. Life really does go by fast!

All I have to say is you must not give up on your dreams. Work towards them, and make it happen. Eventually I would like to find a movie theater up here, and turn it into a club like you and Mousie did. I have found a few since I went out and looked, but they are not demographigally located in a spot that would work. The ones that would work have been picked up by develpoers.

Well Richard shoot me an email if you could. Here is my email address
mailto:matthew@fullhouseproductions.com

Hello People!
This is a far shot, but I'll try anyway. I was introduced to the "25th" (as my friends called it) when I was a freshman at TSTC. Being from a small town on the border, I didn't have much experience in the club scene. Nonetheless, I went there one weekend and was blown away by the experience: great sound system, awesome light show, many people just having a blast and I was hooked! I would say I was there just about every Thur-Sat night. Though I was on a tight budget, I managed to round up some change (even beg for some) and make cover! HAHA Since then, I have yet to experience such an outstanding club environment anywhere. To this day, standing in the middle of the dance floor and "feeling" the music and watching the laser show from the projection booth makes me want to be there all over again!
Now on to my request. Like I said, this is a long shot, but would anyone have any info (or posess for that matter) music they used to play? In particular, one that said "Frequency" that was kinda tribal and another that said "I'm so hot" which was kinda trance/ambient. I have looked for those songs everywhere since then and have not come across any leads. I have been able to find some other songs they used to play which gives me goosebumps everytime I hear them.
Any info would be greatly appreciated at: pilot_nm@yahoo.com or pilot208@aol.com or, simply on here.
BTW, I was one of the guys who was always there with 2 other guys dressed with ties and longsleeve shirts. HAHA What a time!

Erik

Frequency / Where is your evidence By New Energy. Invasion Recordings.

I could be wrong. But I have an album that has Frequency on it. Came out in 1990.

Or check out Eon. Same artist that had the song "The Spice" must flow.

Also 808 State is another good group Richard Played

Frequency was by Altern-8. Speaking of Eon-Spice was good, but the better song they did was "Fear is the Mind-Killer".

Nick Shoop

I have yet to find "Frequency" much less "I'm so hot", but have managed to find "Cadillac w/ the boom", "I seen your boyfriend", "Milkyway", "Do it to me", "Revolution", and some of the New Order, 2Unlimited, and 808 State tunes. There was one more song I meant to ask about which was "Saturdays Angel". They played it once in awhile, but heard it quite often at Club 151 (or 101) near the lake.
Anyway, any info would be greatly appreciated again!

Erik

i love the 25th St Theatre and the funny thing is I've never even been inside. i used to drive by and fantasize about having the money to buy it and turn it into this or that. I wish ya'll the best in your campaign to resurrect the place. I'm a journalism student at MCC and would like to raise awareness on the historical significance and current plight of the 25th through a story in our monthly magazine. I see some great quotes on this site if I could get permission to use them from the individuals. My email is micahpatzke@yahoo.com Any contributions will be greatly appreciated.
Micah Patzke

This s a bit off topic guys and sorry for that, but i own a maestro s8000b, the same as the one fitted in the theater, is there anyone who i could talk to about getting mine working cos i just cant figure it out!! Or if there is ne one who has a manual or anyting if they could scan it and sent it to me on, joey_606@hotmail.com

Sry bout it being so off topic its just im stuck.

Best of luck with the theatre i hope it all goes well and it isnt demolished.

Thanks Joe

Well Joey your in luck. I am a laser tech. If it wasn't for Richard for getting a kick ass laser in the club I probly would not be where I am today. Richard, and Big Richard inspired us in many ways. As a matter of fact I was the one that produced the list of the equipment in the club that I received from Rob-Bob who got the article out of DJ Times. I do have a copy of the blueprints for that laser. I obtained them from a long lost friend. Let me know what exactly the problem is. Can’t get the laser to fire? Board will not power up? Also if you can not get this to work would you be interested in selling the unit?

Thanks,

Matt

matt@fullhouseproductions.com

Waw i was in luck, thanks for replying. Its not so much problems its just we cant figure out how to program the damn bourd!! If youve got the instuction manual could you try send it too me some how or if you know how to program just that will do :D. Have you got msn?

I dont have the instruction manual. I have the blue prints for the laser system and galvos, controller boards ect. I will try to contact one of my friends to see if he remembers how to program the console. I do not have msn. I do have aim from instant messanges through aol I can use.

ok that would be great if you could find out for me, its just its such a complicated board!!! Its not one of those things where if you pee about with it for a while youll figure it out.

Ahh..the green laser system producing (what I called) the "sexy lady" and the "flying ufo martian" on the screen...*sigh* I wish I was back! =)

Erik

Ive got AIM now, my user name is joey90876. What times and days are u usually on?

I can't believe there are 15 Waco Theatres listed and not one of them is still open!

sry to hijack this post again. but i tries the laser comapny who made it and after them peeing me about for ages they said they didnt have one. So im back on the case, has ne one out there got a manual or does ne one even know how to program it please get in touch. Thanks

2004 picture of 25th STREET THEATER sign @ www.vanishingmovietheaters.net

Hi Jake,
Remember Julie and Valerie? We were regulars almost every weekend. We really do miss 25th! It was fun and met a lot of different people. Julie is living in Euless and talks to Keith often. I'm living south of Houston working for a contractor at NASA along with my husband Alex. We have one son, Gabriel who's almost 5. Julie said you ran into Keith and work at LaFiesta. Cool, have to go see you sometimes!! Good thing your doing to make 25th a historical landmark!! How can I "be on the team"?

I used to be really good friends with your Mr. Thurman Jackson:) I can't tell you how many stories I have heard about the club and a lot of you all~ I am not sure what his number is anymore...but I know that he lives in Austin & works at The Cedar Door, I think. He would love to know about this site!! Good luck with your efforts!

Hey guys!! This is Chris Carrow. Damn, this really brings back memories. I wonder how many of us will stumble across this site. I found it by typing my own name into Google (yeah, I know, haven't really lost any of the narcissism;)) Wanted to say hi to Rob-Bob, Jake, Nick, Matt, and a few of the rest of the people I think are posting to this site. If anyone wants to get in touch w/ me, my email is ckrow@sbcglobal.net It's great to see that Richard and 25th have not been forgotten!!

Hellooooooo to everyone!

I am here, been out of touch for quite some time, I drove by the theatre yesterday and it looks like the entire space to the right has been demolished or collapsed? I remember it being a pool hall back in the day. Everything else looks to be in tact, the theatre looks horrible, it looks as though it's just a matter of time before the same happens to it. What of the murals, I'm sure it's been mentioned above but I've not the time to read it all while at the office. I'm sure they've suffered significant damage, assuming the roof is in as poor a shape as the exterior walls? Hi to Chris P., drop me a line if your still paying attention to this site. Jake, let me know what's up with you too. Hugs to all!!!

kenna_davis@wacooffice.com

It will be a sad moment in time when the grand ol' Lady falls to the earth from which She was born. But for many of us, Her grand times will be forever ingrained upon our minds and souls. Whether She is remembered as a grand movie house with the pipe organ playing, or Her later years as a run-of-the-mill movie parlor, or her X-L-N-T turn as the best dance club ever in the entire universe, She will be remembered. We should not mourn Her passing, but celebrate Her life that lives in each and every one of us. I raise a glass of Moet Chandon Brut Imperial and propose a toast to this fine Lady. Here! Here! To 25th Street Theatre and to her loving caretaker, Richard Olsen and Richard Keiffer. Hurrah! May She rest in peace.

On a personal note: My sincere apologies to all my dear friends that I pushed away at the time of Richard's murder and the subsequent robbery of our house and all my belongings. It was a very rough time for me and I reacted the only way I could; by shutting down and removing myself from everybody and everything that would remind me of the horror of the empty vacuum of my life without Richard. It has been a weird 12 years and I am just coming to terms with the event and how it affected my life and how I let it affect my life. Forgive me - I am so alone and it is all my fault.

Many people handle sorrow in may different ways. Some recoupe faster that others. Richard was a mentor to me and help set the standards on how I would run a club and provide entertainment for different generes of club patrons. As your friend I would like you to know that you are not alone. We are all waiting for your to reach out to us and call. Jake, Big Richard, Chris C., Brent along with many others that I have not talked to miss you dearly and are concerned. I have told what I have known about your status from the hurricans on the chat board. Please do not feel like everone is mad at you for they are not. Robert please give me a call so that I can put you in contact with Jake, Chris, and Brent. I have there phone numbers. I pray that you and your father are both doing well. I will always be a freind and family for you, and the others in this life time. Take care and I will be waiting to hear from you! Love your friend Matt Bryan. 314-803-0357

Photo of the 25th Street Theatre.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenkuhl/21477334/

Ken thank you for providing the photo. Can you possibly take a photo facing the theater directly in the front, and maybe one from the other side where the print shop was.
Thanks,
Matt

Hello everyone!! I would first like to apologize for my own absense, but as a few of you know I have left Waco, and Texas once again to pursue a life in Denver Colorado. If anyone has ever lived in Waco then they can understand why I needed to leave. As for the 25th Street Theatre.....well as I have said before and over and over again, there is something in the works to bring the ole gal back to her former glory. I am still in contact with the folks working on it and when the ball gets rolling will still be very much apart of the process.
Rob-Bob ....where on earth have you been? We have all been worried.
I can understand your grief, because I went through my own for about 7 years after that tragic event. But one day I realized one of Richards favorite sayings was "quit living in the past", you know what, once again even in death he was right. Remember that you always still have all of the old gang from the 25th as your friends so technically YOU WILL NEVER BE ALONE.
Now if I can ask a favor of all of you, and I will do the same, Everyone should write a letter to the editor of the Waco Tribune-Herald, stating the importance that the theatre has had on our lives, and also the impact it has had on the city of Waco itself. In my opinion the more people show an interest the easier it will be to save it.
The fight is far from over.
Til next time,
Jake

Hello everyone!! I would first like to apologize for my own absense, but as a few of you know I have left Waco, and Texas once again to pursue a life in Denver Colorado. If anyone has ever lived in Waco then they can understand why I needed to leave. As for the 25th Street Theatre.....well as I have said before and over and over again, there is something in the works to bring the ole gal back to her former glory. I am still in contact with the folks working on it and when the ball gets rolling will still be very much apart of the process.
Rob-Bob ....where on earth have you been? We have all been worried.
I can understand your grief, because I went through my own for about 7 years after that tragic event. But one day I realized one of Richards favorite sayings was "quit living in the past", you know what, once again even in death he was right. Remember that you always still have all of the old gang from the 25th as your friends so technically YOU WILL NEVER BE ALONE.
Now if I can ask a favor of all of you, and I will do the same, Everyone should write a letter to the editor of the Waco Tribune-Herald, stating the importance that the theatre has had on our lives, and also the impact it has had on the city of Waco itself. In my opinion the more people show an interest the easier it will be to save it.
The fight is far from over.
Til next time,
Jake

Hello everyone!! I would first like to apologize for my own absense, but as a few of you know I have left Waco, and Texas once again to pursue a life in Denver Colorado. If anyone has ever lived in Waco then they can understand why I needed to leave. As for the 25th Street Theatre.....well as I have said before and over and over again, there is something in the works to bring the ole gal back to her former glory. I am still in contact with the folks working on it and when the ball gets rolling will still be very much apart of the process.
Rob-Bob ....where on earth have you been? We have all been worried.
I can understand your grief, because I went through my own for about 7 years after that tragic event. But one day I realized one of Richards favorite sayings was "quit living in the past", you know what, once again even in death he was right. Remember that you always still have all of the old gang from the 25th as your friends so technically YOU WILL NEVER BE ALONE.
Now if I can ask a favor of all of you, and I will do the same, Everyone should write a letter to the editor of the Waco Tribune-Herald, stating the importance that the theatre has had on our lives, and also the impact it has had on the city of Waco itself. In my opinion the more people show an interest the easier it will be to save it.
The fight is far from over.
Til next time,
Jake

it's Jake!!!! No wonder the people at Trix had no idea who I was talking about and I thought it was the cherry vodka sours! Glad to hear you are still alive and doing well in Denver. I will gladly write a letter to the editor. Rob-Bob, hope you are doing better than was indicated in your last post, big hug and kiss to you. I'll try to get some pictures this week but it looks pretty much the same as it does in the pics Ken posted. Still no word from Chris P., if anyone has heard from him, please ask him to get in touch w/ me. I'm still in Waco, working, living, nothing to report. hugs to all!! Kenna

Just wanted to say I hope everyone had a great Christmas, and I hope your New Year is even better......I have a feeling the 25th Street Theatre will be having a great 2006 ....hint, hint.

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas too Jake! I'm on pins wondering what is going on with the theatre. Keep us posted. Rob-Bob, how are you, hope you're ok?

Trust me....when the time comes I will definitly let you know....until then I have to keep things low profile.

Does anyone have any interior photos? Either as a theatre or as a club?

Anything happening now with theatre? I'm waiting to see what happens before I remodel my property next door.

Bill Foster
The Waco Citizen
254 754-3511. waco, tx 76707
billfoster@wacocitizen.com

This is a photo of the 25th Street Theater and here is another.

the photos submitted by "lost memory" on may 17, 2006, stand as a testament to the final destruction of this building.

please do not destroy the fragile meomory fragments that i possess. i can't believe that 25th has become the messy hulk that appears in these photographs.

where is the dignity of this grand ol'Lady? let her pass in peace.

president ronald reagan once declared "tear down these walls!"

in the imortal words of FGTH: "it's enough to make you wonder sometimes if you're on the right planet . . . enjoy . . . i feel . . . i feel alright . . . my name's peirce, my name's matt, my name's nash, mine is the last voice you will ever hear, don't be alarmed!"

O.K. All you so called 25th Street Theatre Buffs, who can answer these trivia questions and name the songs/artist the verses are from.

1. What stood where the Theatre now stands before construction began in 1944?

2. "Walking in a strange light, looking at the walls, The walls are getting higher and I think they're gonna fall, They're gonna fall down over me, crush me till I scream......"

3. What movie played 14 weeks in the summer of 1977?

4. "If people say I bad then promise you ignore them, my kisses are exclusive, noone can afford them."

5. What brand and capacity were the hoist that handled the main light show?

6. "Brought to you by the United States Air Force."

7. What were the dimensions for the dance floor?

8. "Once I had a vision of you and me and our......"

9. What was the date the Theatre/ Club closed for good?

10. "If you need a friend, dont look to a stranger. You know in the end, I'll always be there....."

11. What song received the most airplay and could be defined as "THE SONG OF 25TH STREET"?

12. What business sat directly behind from the Theatre in 1990?

13. "And Gillian will meet me like a brother would. I think I remember but it's twice as good.
Like how cool the rum is from a silver tray"

14. What song was playing when the tear gas bomb forced evacuation in September 1989?

15. "But if we should be evicted huh, from our homes, we’ll just move somewhere else and still carry on"

16. "I think about you lately, More than you will ever know, And if you could just forgive me, You know I'd love you so"

17. What was the cover charge for minors and adults?

18. "Turn off the TV, look at a book, Pick up the phone, fix some food, Maybe I'll sit up all night and day, Waiting for the minute I hear you say"

19. What were the colors of the curtains, both in front and behind the screen?

20. "Sodom and Gomarah let the DJ play, cause I'll only come tomorrow, and here today....."


Email me for answers, unless you are a 25th Street "know it all", like myself.
jakevanek@yahoo.com

CHEERS!!!!

NEWS FROM DALLAS.........At 4pm a fire destroyed the historic ARCADIA Theatre in Dallas.

WOW! Can't believe it's been 13yrs since I last stepped foot inside the 25th St Theatre! Amazing how time has flown! All the memories and fun I had there with all the wonderful people and several friends I made who always welcomed me with acceptance! Every Saturday I could be found there at 25th just dancin the night away under the awesome light show and dance tunes. Several of you might remember me as I hung around a couple of girls who were regulars there. They dressed similarly as I followed suit in the traditional gothic style of black attire and black bob hairstyle. Their names were Spyder and Paisley. I wasn't as popular as they were but managed to befriend them somehow...and make friends with other popular folks. I think one of the only things that separated me from lots of people in there was the fact I didn't engage in specific scrupulous activities which I am thankful for! Other than that, I participated in local sofa conversations in the girls restroom area often. Then usually, I'd hear one of my favorite songs come on like "Dance to the Beat" or "Holy Noise"...I'd be up in a flash and tear across the room just to find my way to the checkered dance floor as happy as pig in slop! And my apologies for anybody who got shoved in my path as I ripped through people like a tornado. Of course once in awhile, I'd find an empty pool table (usually at the back)if the dance floor was too crowded and make my own room on it! Sometimes I had a friend join me. Some of you might remember a certain guy who was a Saturday regular there and a good friend of mine. His name was Jon Tremont...worked for (what was)Cablevision. He used to park his red Pontiac Trans-Am around the back of the theatre next to the curb in the street (on MC's side of 25th building). OH, can't forget about the sweet orange cat that graced the ticket booth area with his presence where Big Richard sat to take admission. He knew how to greet everybody by putting a smile on our faces. On occasion, he'd prance around the front bar area letting us all know that animals enjoy clubbin too! Although I was underage at the time (age 16 to be exact)I went to 25th, Big Richard was kind enough to allow me entrance inside so I could enjoy myself and have a blast! There was NEVER a dull moment from the first time I stepped foot into the club to the last night I went. I'll never forget the many pairs of shoes I wore holes in dancing under Mousey's light show and dance tunes producing enough sweat to flood the whole entire theatre! Thanks Little Richard for all the cherished memories you helped me create. You will NEVER EVER be forgotten and your legacy will live on! If anybody would be interested in contacting me, please feel free to do so. My e-mail is: talladegadale3@aol.com or talladegadale3@yahoo.com I have some photos I took inside 25th back in 1990-91 that I will post on here soon. Hope everyone is doing well! Julie Scorza in West
posted by Julie Scorza on Jun 26, 2006 at 8:31pm

My photograph of the lonely 25th STREET THEATER http://www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/197671884/

Save the club! I am the last voice you will ever hear. Dont be alarmed! Tell Rob Bob to get off of his isolated new life and break the silence and say hello. I hope the new hurricanes do not hit him.

Matt

I received an informative email today from a lady and thought I would share it with you.


"Hi - You might be interested to know there is
a very fine painting of the Historic 25th St. Theatre
on display right now at MCC, in Waco. It's in the front
entrance of the Ball Performing Arts Center with
other paintings exhibited by Art Guild of Central
Texas, being shown for a limited time.
For more information call me, Ellen Foster, 756-0347."

The MCC exhibit will be up until Dec. 5. It can be seen through the windows and is well lighted.
About 30 paintings are on display. Ellen Foster, 756-0347.

Check out www.artguildct.org for a view of the theatre painting. Click on gallery, then my name.
Ellen Foster 1-254-756-0347 To see the actual work, call me for an appointment.

Folks here is a picture I found online of the Theatre in 1990, June to be exact.

http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasTheaters/Images/WacoTexas25thStreetTheaterJune1990BillySmith.jpg

My close up of the 25th Street sign.
www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/359144666

Uncredited night time photo of the 25TH STREET THEATER.

www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/362138857

I would really love to do an article about the 25th St. Theatre. If anyone has any Historical information, personal anecdotes, or anything else that would be useful it would be greatly appreciated. To contact me please email me at bryandouglassmith@gmail.com

I think it is a shame that this beautiful building has been ignored and allowed to deteriorate as bad as it has. I look forward to hearing from anyone who wants to help.

Thanks,
bryan smith

I would really love to do an article about the 25th St. Theatre. If anyone has any Historical information, personal anecdotes, or anything else that would be useful it would be greatly appreciated. To contact me please email me at bryandouglassmith@gmail.com

I think it is a shame that this beautiful building has been ignored and allowed to deteriorate as bad as it has. I look forward to hearing from anyone who wants to help.

Thanks,
bryan smith

It is one of my favorites, is it still standing?

Oops!! Here is the uncredited night time photo of the 25th Street.

www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/362153330

Is anyone still monitoring this board? I am a veteran of the club scene at the old Outer Limits, the 25th St. Theater, and the Arcadia in Dallas. I am interested to know the current condition of the 25th St. building and the status of the effort to rescue the site. Thanks!

Yes I am still monitoring this board, though not as much as I would like. The condition of the building is still bad, but NOT unfixable....most of the damage is just that the water has taken its toll on the stucco and the Mural that covered the south wall.......The process to get the old girl back to former glory has been slow but is progressing. The legal issues that have plagued it since Richard Olsens death are still being resolved, but have made some headway in recent months. I did manage to locate a photo of the theatre that was taken in June of 1990, the theatre is in great condition at the time....email me and I will send you a jpeg of it. Keep checking back here as I am sure alot/most of you are.
Thanks for being patient as we are all being patient in the Rebirth Of 25th Street!!!

Jake Vanek

i remember saturday morning movies here in 1955 - 1956 - we kids voted in a straw poll for president - eisenhower or stevenson. eisenhower won cos our parents liked him (i imagine) - i remember seeing the little rascals and serials and monster movies. great memories. too bad it is slated for destruction. sigh

Wow! I cannot belive I stumbled onto this great site and comments page. I am an alumni of OL & 25th Street. Some of my fondest memories are of the theater. I currently live in LA, but I have visited a couple of times in the last few years. I hope to one day return to a remodeled 25th street and relive my youth. Time really flies.

APRIL 20, 2007 ARTICLE WRITEN BY BRYAN SMITH ABOUT THE THEATRE

http://www.baylor.edu/lariat/news.php?action=story&story=45353

Hello Everyone,

At last I found the article that Baylor Journalism student Bryan Smith interviewed me and several others for back in April. He was unsure if any of the information from the interviews would make it into the Baylor newspaper........Luckily it was.
After reading over the article I did run across a few minor discretions: the address was 1006 N. 25th; construction began in 1944, completing in fall 1945; it reopened Labor Day Weekend, probably on a Thursday (the club operated Thurs-Sat 9pm-???); "The 25th Dimension" actually aired on KCEN-6 (originally on KWKT-44), every Sunday/Monday at 12:30am. But these minor details don't matter considering the only people who would know that are anal retentive historians like myself. LOL !!!
Anyone thats read the www.CinemaTreasures.org/theater/4180 posting that I started is well aware of the ongoing effort involving the Theatre. The building being slated for demolition, and the legal issues still in limbo concerning Richard Olsens estate, is still an ongoing process, that myself and many others are patiently awaiting the outcome. To the best of my knowledge, the process is moving in the direction many of us want. I am not at liberty to offer any other information, at this time.
I would personally like to thank Mr. Bryan Smith for the very well structured and informative article he contributed to the Baylor Lariat. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!

Thanks for continuing to follow, and STAY TUNED!!!

Jake Vanek

Friends of 25th,

Wow….just spent time reading this page instead of working and I’m so glad I did! Jake found me last week and here I am. I have so many 25th memories (Outer Limits too) going through my head right now! To echo some of you, it was indeed a safe haven and a life saver. The acceptance and love at the club was genuine and lasting. Home was hell, school was ok; 25th was my real heart and home “back in the day”. I remember some of you well, others are sketchy but I was “a regular” and can still see both Richard’s smiling faces! I remember Big Richard “waving” me in many a night. Some of you might remember me as “the bow bitch from hell”….someone gave me that nick-name there…don’t recall who. I had long blonde hair and always seemed to have it up in a bow in the late 80’s. Carolyn Sitton is my name, now known as Carolyn Sitton Lovell. How in the heck are you? Oh, and to the regulars, if I ever did anything stupid, made you mad, etc., sorry…I was a very lost and immature girl back then!

My favorite song was by the Uptown Girls – Losing You. The fog horn would play, the neon would flicker and I’d make a mad dash for the dance floor! It took me YEARS to find that song and I listen to it all the time with a HUGE SMILE on my face! If anyone interested in restoration can get title (Jake, fingers crossed) I think I can help with the funds. On both a professional and personal level, I write grants and can assure you there are funds for historic restoration out there! You can reach me at cslovell1@tx.rr.com ---Jake, talk to you soon and I for one would actually come back to Waco for the reunion. Can you see us now dancing our hearts to New Energy, INXS, etal, old footage of 25th Dimension playing on the big screen, and actually being of legal age to DRINK! Pour me one….

Peace out, C

I first visited Waco in 1994 and have returned to visit friends here many times since. I never knew the 25th Street Theatre as an operational establishment However, I do remember the first time I saw it. I'm a dedicated follower of Art Deco and love old movie theatres, both here and at home in England. The first time I saw the 25th I got my friends to pull over so I could take pictures. I drove by again today and took more. The theatre is a stunning building and it was both exciting and sad to see her again. I really hope someone saves her from the wreckers! She's a beautiful reminder of a time when people actually put thought into design.
I know it was originally a movie theater then a night club but it would be great to see the theatre restored as a community theatre for youth productions and local functions thought I don't know what the inside is like and if it's suitable? Just a thought.
There is a photo I took today on my MySpace Texas 2007 photo album. http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=107556445&albumId=1119392
Good luck saving the theatre! If there's anything I can do to help let me know!
Richard

http://groups.myspace.com/jakendallas

myspace.com/25thstreettheatre

http://www.myspace.com/25thstreettheatre

email addy for more information.........

25thstreettheatre@gmail.com

What is going on now with this theater?
Does anyone know what the name of the short film that was made in Waco, Tx and had the local kids in it? This was back between 1973- 1974. A guy from Hollywood came to make the short film in Cameron park. It showed one time at the 25th theater and then never saw it again. I do not remeber the name but it was about a little girl that was kidnapped. Something like the Little Rascal's (Our Gang) films.
If anyone has any ideal what the name is, please post it. I would love to see this again, My niece was in it.
I was thinking since it was a local film, and only shown at the 25th theater, then maybe the owner of the teather or someone would know how to get a copy of this film.
Thanks

I don't understand the venom for Richard's father. According to court documents, he became the sole heir of Richard's estate after his older brother waived all claims. He has offered the building to the city or a non-profit organization that will preserve/restore the place. It's his fault that the City of Waco has allowed the area to become a gang haven? Richard and his father were never close but I doubt he's the evil monster portrayed here.

Robert-bob, what was the deal about with Richard's brother? I know he used to visit Richard when he lived in Robinson. Not sure where his brother lived.

Views of the 25th Street Theater here and here taken in 1990.

How long has it been since anyone has seen a bicycle rack in front of a theatre?

Found this site doing a web search on the 25th Street Theater. I grew up going to that theater in the 60s and 70s. My grandmother owned a flower shop a couple doors down. I remember the owner at the time, Buster Scott, was a real nice old guy. The last time I went to a movie there was in the early 80s - it was the John Waters movie 'Polyester' with the scratch n sniff 'odor-rama' cards. It was the last showing on a weeknight and I was the ONLY patron, and they ran it just for me. I had moved from Waco by the time the theater was in its night club phase, but I can imagine how cool it must have been with the deco decor and cool wall murals.

A couple of weeks ago I was in Waco and driving down 25th street, and it looks like the other buildings connected to it are mostly demolished and the neighborhood in general is looking worse than ever.

Here is another photo.

hello everyone, james hawk here aka jimmie, aka hawk, aka jehovahawk. i was one of the dynamic tio of robin, bob, and james. wow, nice to see some old familiar names here. it really brings back the memories all the way from 'dance down' on the back wall of outer limits, to wall dancing in the old theater herself. if anyone is interested in contacting me my email is hawk@austin.rr.com, cheers!

2008 photo

Here is a 1984 photo.

I've done some recent research and have an update on the status of the theatre. The title to the theatre property belongs to Richard Keifer and the estate of Richard Olsen. There is a lien on the property that belonged to Richard Olsen's paternal grandfather, Carl E. Olsen, Sr. Richard's father is the executor of Richard's estate, which is still not closed after 15 years. He is also now the owner of the lien on the property as the heir of his father's estate. The taxes on the property are up to date but, as pointed out here, the property is in terrible physical condition and has been "red tagged" by the City of Waco. Effectively that is a notice of condemnation but there are negotiations in progress between Mr. Olsen and the City that would keep the building from being destroyed. There are no guarantees at this point but the wrecking ball has not appeared yet so there is still hope for saving the old lady.

Does anyone know what happened to the lights? I was a regular back in the day and have ventured into renovation and installation of sound & light systems in clubs. How can one obtain access to the building to examine the the extent of damages. I am interested in the rebirth of the great "25th". I'm curious as how much renovation it would really take to put her back together.

Hey 25th Light Fan. The 25th was stripped of all of its lighting gear many years back along with any and all electronic equipment as well as its 70mm film projection and sound equipment. The structure is basically empty with only asbestos and mold remaining. Due to a very poor roof dating back to the club days it has suffered extensive water damage. Plans are still underway to save her and bring her back. Hope this helps!

John and Drew Eberson designed a theatre in Waco around 1945 and this could be it.

Nice night time pictures,all the old theaters always looked better all lit up.