Thompson Theatre
11 N. Ohio,
Atoka,
OK
74525
11 N. Ohio,
Atoka,
OK
74525
1 person
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From 2010 a photo of the Thompson Theatre in Atoka.
Here’s a view from May 2012. When we were there, workers were finishing up some interior renovation. The place looks good and is now a dance studio:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25726169@N03/7165924930/in/photostream
Header should read Closed, theatre is closed and boarded up. Also the correct addres should be:
122 N. Ohio Ave.
Atoka, Ok. 74525
We are planning to reopen the Thompson Theater in Tishomingo, OK. Any information and photos of the old theater would be greatly appreciated.
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.
This is a 2007 photo. It doesn’t look open in the photo.
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.
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.
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.
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
What a depressing description how do they stay open?
“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”.