Fox Theatre
715 Main Street,
Walsenburg,
CO
81089
715 Main Street,
Walsenburg,
CO
81089
1 person
favorited this theater
The original name of the theatre, Star Theatre, was designed by the Trinidad firm of I.H. and William M. Rapp for Paul Krier in 1916. It opened on July 24, 1917. The Walsenburg World newspaper commented, “Besides being a high-class picture show-house, the Star Theatre is now Walsenburg’s largest and best equipped hall for plays, vaudeville or conventions.”
A Wurlitzer-Hope Jones pipe organ was installed in 1923. In July 1929, talking pictures were introduced, the interior redecorated into a Spanish theme and in August 1929 is was renamed the Valencia Theatre.
One month later the Fox West Coast Theatre Corp. purchased the theatre and the name was changed to Fox-Valencia Theatre. In 1941 the building received a thorough remodeling including an Art Deco style facade and became the Fox Theatre. The theatre was closed in 1987.
After a major grant-funded renovation, the theatre reopened in 1992 under the auspices of the Huerfano Youth and Arts Foundation under the direction of George Birrer. It continues to hold stage performances and on weekends shows motion pictures.
The interior is in very good condition. Years ago the pipe organ was given to the local Catholic church. A few years ago it was returned to the theatre and awaits funds to restore it. The marquee still has a vertical “Fox” sign.
Contributed by
Ken Fletcher
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 10 comments)
The 1941 edition of Film Daily Yearbook lists the Valencia Theatre with a seating capacity of 684 and operated by Fox Intermountain Theaters Inc. In the 1943 edition of F.D.Y. it has been re-named Fox Theatre with a seating capacity of 669. Same details apply in 1950 but with a seating capacity given as 616 and still operated by Fox Intermountain Theaters Inc.
Here is a photo of the former Fox theater.
The Fox is up and running as a movie theatre again. The front of the building as well as the upright FOX sign and the marquee have been restored. The neon looks GREAT!!
This is a May 2008 photo.
Here is a photo taken before the front of the building was restored.
A September 2008 photo can be seen here.
The Fox as it looked in 1997:
View link
Here are some 1984 photos:
Photo1
Photo2
Photo3
A 2009 photo is here.
According to this article, this theater is again currently operating as the Fox; its survival is in jeopardy because of the closing of a privatised correctional center nearby which will cause the county to end a regular subsidy payment: View link