Bison Theatre

The cornerstone of the Temple Theatre was laid on November 7, 1908. That ceremony included a parade and attendance by “thousands” according to local reportage. The Temple Theatre then opened with a stage presentation of “A Girl at the Helm” on October 19, 1909. In 1927, the theatre received a major makeover and a grand relaunch positioned as a dedicated movie theater.

Fox West Coast purchased the Temple and World in 1929 and changed the Temple to the Fox Temple on January 1930. A lawsuit and some form of transfer of ownership took place but the theatre effectively remained in the Fox family. In May of 1948, the theatre was downgraded to twice a week operation on Saturday and Sunday only. On December 5, 1948, a fire damaged the building leading to a complete remodeling job.

The theatre was repaired and relaunched for Fox Intermountain as the Bison Theatre on July 26, 1950 with “Wagonmaster.” The remodel was designed by architect Charles D. Strong. Fox dropped the theater on December 22, 1954. Cinema Amusement Company of Glen Rock led by Carlin Smith took on the venue in January of 1955.

Motion Picture Herald, Dec. 25, 1948: “The Temple theatre, McCook, Neb., was destroyed by fire.”