Fain Theatre

The Unique Picture Show launched May 11, 1911 showing photoplays in downtown Livingston next to the Davis Bros. store. Election returns from a July 1911 vote regarding the amendment for prohibition drew standing room crowds as the results were shown on the big screen.

Under new operators, the theatre became the Happy Hour Theatre on September 28, 1911. Clem F. Fain, Jr. bought the Happy Hour Theatre and transformed it to a more modern facility in 1914. In 1929, the theatre was converted to sound and renamed the Fain Theatre.

The Fain Theatre made news when it accepted produce, chickens or eggs among others as barter in exchange for admission during the Depression in 1932. When plans for a competing theatre, the Texan Theatre, were announced, Fain upgraded his venue. After the Texan Theatre launched, Fain would buy the competition and downgraded the Fain Theatre to weekend shows only.

In 1948, a new build theatre also called the Fain Theatre gave Livingston its second modern-era theatre. It also ended the original Fain Theatre’s run.

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