El Rio Theatre
14 W. Main Street,
Springerville,
AZ
85938
14 W. Main Street,
Springerville,
AZ
85938
1 person
favorited this theater
Built in 1913 and still in operation, this tiny theater has survived the ravages of time quite well. Most of the theater’s seats are original and date to the theater’s opening. And, even the theater’s popcorn machine dates back to the 1950s.
Contributed by
Joan Hill
Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater
Recent comments (view all 7 comments)
The El Rey Theatre in Springerville, AZ in 1946-1947 was operated by the Louis F. Long Circuit, one of the largest independent theater circuits in Arizona.
There is only one theatre in Springerville, Arizona. It was built in 1913. When it was built, it was called the Apache Theater. It has never been called the El Rey Theatre. It has only had two names, Apache and El Rio.
I know this because I ran the theatre for 10 years. I just resigned a few months ago.
In 1963, the El Rio was still part of the Louis F. Long chain. The 1963 almanac list about thirty Long theaters at that time in AZ.
Yes, it had been owned by the Louis F. Long chain, but was never named the El Rey. There must have been a typing error or something. It has been El Rio for at least 70 years.
Before that it was called the Apache Theater
Here’s a 2006 view of the EL RIO – nice theater.
http://www.rushcreekgallery.com/lfop/index.html
1988 photo of the El Rio Theatre.
View link