Chief Theatre
228 W. Coal Avenue,
Gallup,
NM
87301
228 W. Coal Avenue,
Gallup,
NM
87301
1 person
favorited this theater
The Chief Theatre, on Coal Avenue, originally opened in 1920. It could seat 650. In 1936, the Chief was completely remodeled in Pueblo Deco style. Its owner at the time was R.E. Griffith, brother of the famed Hollywood director D.W. Griffith. (R.E. Griffith also owned the El Rancho Hotel).
Long closed as a movie house, the former Chief is now used as a retail shop specializing in Native American goods. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 and the State Register of Historic Places in 2000.
Contributed by
Bryan
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Recent comments (view all 5 comments)
I believe the Chief had a 3 or 4 rank Robeert Morton organ installed about 1922. Disposition is unknown. If anyone has more details on the organ and disposition I would like to hear from them. Don Story
Added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1988
Chief Theater (added 1988 – Building – #87002223)
Also known as City Electric Shoe Shop
228 W. Coal Ave., Gallup
Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Unknown
Architectural Style: Art Deco, Other
Area of Significance: Architecture, Entertainment/Recreation
Period of Significance: 1900-1924
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Theater
Current Function: Commerce/Trade
Current Sub-function: Business
Here is a photo of the Chief Theater building, now the City Electric Shoe Shop.
1983 photo of the Chief Theatre.
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Another 2009 photo from a different angle, click to enlarge.
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