Waco Hippodrome Theater
724 Austin Avenue,
Waco,
TX
76701
724 Austin Avenue,
Waco,
TX
76701
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The theater’s official website is now: http://www.wacoperformingarts.org/index.php
The site confirms that the theater will be able to finish out its current season of live performances.
More 2007 photos of the Waco Hippodrome.
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According to the local news, the Waco Hippodrome WILL remain open for the moment.
Nice looking theatre.
This theater has, at least for now, suspended operations due to financial problems: http://www.kxxv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12044261
Here is a nice 2009 photo.
1984 Photo
This is a larger version of the postcard at the top of this page.
The following statement is from a dear friend and very knowlegable Theatre organist and longtime Waco resident, Mr Jim Pitts.
Pilsher built the organ but it was NOT a theatre organ in the strict sense. The organ was not installed in chambers but sat divided on both sides of the proscenium, perched atop access foyers to the stage and dressing room area. It was later sold to First Methodist Church of Waco and was removed before a fire in the theatre destroyed much of the stage and screen. The organ survived the 1953 tornado which unroofed the church and sent the steeple crashing down on the console. Actually, poor installation saved the organ from water and storm damage as the shutters were installed horizontally and fell closed when the wind supply ceased. This fault sealed the organ from outside influence during the massive storm. It was resurrected in the new First Methodist Church and two additional ranks and a new console were added by Robert Markham. With the building of a much larger sanctuary later, the organ fell into disrepair and was replaced with a 33-rank Shantz ~ but it still lives and plays today. A small protestant church in south Texas bought it about three years ago and it has been rebuilt and enlarged. The old gal is still going, and on its original blower, too. Efforts to reclaim the organ for the Hippodrome were not successful as there was no possible means to install it in the theatre’s current configuration.
Here is their NEW website!
http://www.wacoperformingarts.org/
A Pilcher theater organ opus 810 size 2/12 was installed in the Hippodrome (Waco Hippodrome) Theater in 1914 at a cost of $4,000.
This is a recent photo of the Waco Hippodrome Theater.
My close up of the WACO / HIPPODROME sign.
www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/357552862
Added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1983
Hippodrome (added 1983 – Building – #83003153)
Also known as Waco Theatre
724 Austin Ave., Waco
Historic Significance: Person, Architecture/Engineering
Architectural Style: Other
Historic Person: Hoblitzelle,Karl
Significant Year: 1929, 1913
Area of Significance: Performing Arts, Architecture
Period of Significance: 1900-1924, 1925-1949
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Theater
Current Function: Recreation And Culture
Current Sub-function: Theater
Here is a photo of the Waco Hippodrome Theater.
At this time, I am working on the life and memories of Mary Holliday. Ms. Holliday was the first female radio announcer in the State of Texas and she hosted the Jones Fine Bread Kiddie Matinee at the Waco from 1932 to approximately 1956.
I am hosting a re-enactment of the show as a part of the Waco History Project at the theater on Friday, November 10th at 7 p.m.
There is a photo of the Waco Hippodrome Theater at this website.
Another 2004 photo of the Waco Hippidrome Theatre
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2004 picture of the WACO sign @ www.vanishingmovietheaters.net
1) I would love to know where you found the postcard of the theater. It’s beautiful and I’ve never seen a copy of it.
2) Jake, the board hasn’t got the money it will take to renovate the 25th Street. Unfortunately, this theater is probably going to see the wrecking ball. I work for the City of Waco and the things I’ve heard is for awhile it was repairable, but really would take several millions to now restore.
3) I am now working on a project concerning the life of Mary Holliday, host of the Kiddie’s matinee that was performed at the Waco Theater in the 30’s and 40’s. If you know anyone who performed, sang, worked or went to the matinees, please have them contact me at
can the people who restored the Hippodrome restore the 25th Street Theatre?
I was in the army in nearby Fort Hood, Texas in 1955 to 1957. I saw “Giant” with Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean at the Waco Theater.