The Liberty is a extremely interesting, historic theatre is a extremely interesting historic Arizona mining town. It originally opened in 1918. Opening was delayed about a year due to the great flu epidemic. It ceased theatre operations about 1930 because the owner did not want to spend money for sound equipment.
The auditorium part became a virtual time capsule for years. The lobby and front part of the building was remodeled and leased out serving as a cafe, bar, and I believe chamber of commerce until recent years when it was remodelled again into a antique store. The Robert Morton pipe organ was not removed from the auditorium until about 1965 when it was removed and reinstalled in a Lutheran church in Phoenix.
The auditorium was apparently still usable as a theatre in the 70s because famed silent theatre organist Gaylord Carter brought in a electronic organ and played for silent films several times during the historic home tour days.
The current owner bought the building about two years ago and is also operating a antique store but has restored the balcony part and shows films on a sporadic basis. I am told the theatre has a extremely unique architectural design. Jerome is built on the side of a steep mountain. Patrons purchased tickets at a street level box office (balcony level) and then had to walk down a walkway to the main auditorium. I believe the main auditorium floor has been leveled and used as a store. Only the balcony has been reopened for film purposes.
I would love to hear from other members who have more information, photos, etc. of this theatre or another Jerome theatre, the Ritz/Lyric.
Contributed by Don Story
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The Liberty is located on highway 89. 110 Jerome Avenue.
I have pictures to share and will email them if you like.