Ye Liberty Theatre

Located in the D'Arcy Building, K.L Bernard constructed a new-build movie theatre in downtown Salem in 1908 and was said to be one of the very first new-build theatres to show motion pictures. It was called Ye Liberty Theatre and was scheduled to launch September 10, 1908. One thousand people showed up to the opening only to find that the electrical circuits had blown and the opening scrapped. They were able to listen to the phonograph while inspecting the new theatre.

Ye Liberty Theatre launched September 12, 1908 and the Gaumont Cronophone projectors had the power to play the six moving pictures - three of which were synched with sound from the phonograph. The forty minute program was advertised to State Fair visitors and the theatre did brisk business.

The theatre had run its course as superior movie palaces were built. Ye Liberty Theatre ceased operations at this location on May 23, 1925. It was remodeled for retail purposes as a location for the chain store, Cosmopolitan Stores.

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