Chief Theatre

The Chief was a small family owned theatre on east Second Street. It closed as a theatre in the 50s following a fire, the front part of the building later reopened as first a dress shop then later possibly as a travel agency. The building is still there. Current use unknown.

The Chief was unusual in that its entrance or lobby was a newstand/candystore. You purchased your tickets there and then went through an entrance at the rear of the store into the auditorium. I’m guessing at the seating capacity but recall it did have a small balcony. I have heard that the auditorium or part of it may still exist in the back of the current store site.

I don’t believe it ever showed first run movies and catered to kids or high school audiences showing B westerns and action movies. If anyone out there has better details, pictures, etc., I would love to hear from them.

I welcome any feedback, info, etc., on this or two other old theatres in Winslow – the Rialto, and the Acme.

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