Broncho Theatre
1 S. Broadway,
Edmond,
OK
1 S. Broadway,
Edmond,
OK
1 person
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Edmond’s Broncho Theatre was named after the bucking mascot of Oklahoma Central University. It was opened on January 10, 1936. Both the exterior and interior of this clean little cinema utilized bold neon lighting to achieve colorful effects.
Oddly enough there was a hospital located above the auditorium. How much rest could those patients get when noisy musicals were shown?
In its later years of operation it was known as the Academy Theatre and closed in the 1970’s.
Contributed by
Jeff Chapman
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Recent comments (view all 13 comments)
For a typical small cinema the Broncho’s L shaped lobby was rather spacious, due to the fact that restrooms and offices were located in the basement area. Above mentioned UCOK image gallery has a picture of the concession stand on page 12, and an under the marquee shot on page 17;
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Thanks, Okie, for the correct web address. Be sure to check out page 12 for Broncho pix.
To clear up correct picture pages, here is a list;
Page 12-concession stand image,
page 15-exterior shots, and
page 17-boxoffice view
As for the Broncho mis-spelling, I was told that the wife of one of the early presidents the Territorial Normal School/Central State/UCO came up with the mascot and spelled the name of the animal incorrectly. Apparantly it stuck.
The Broncho Theatre and Gem Theatre were two separate theaters. The Gem was located at two different places on Broadway over its lifespan.
Some additional information:
The theater, opened on Jan 10, 1936, was located at 1 S. Broadway (Main & Broadway) on the former location of the Joyland Theatre Airdome. It advertised carpeted aisles, draperies, restrooms and two projection booths with synchronized sound.
The theater was built by W.Z. Willie Spearman who operated it until it was taken over by his son. The younger Spearman operated the theater until he sold it to R.R. McCoy. The theater operated on and off until the 1970s.
The hospital was opened on the second floor on February 2, 1947.
On this site it is listed as the Acadamy Theatre. Included are clear vintage photos, recent snapshots, and a brief history …
http://www.roadsideoklahoma.com/node/338
Photos of the Broncho Theatre.
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I’m on a personal quest to find photos of the auditorium, lobby, booth and exterior of The Broncho, other than the ones mentioned above and the one I just added to this site. I’ve had no luck with the members of the Spearman family that I know. If anybody visiting this site has a lead on any, I’ll be very grateful.
My above request also applies to the later years, when it was known as The Academy."