Ellen Theatre
17 W. Main Street,
Bozeman,
MT
59715
17 W. Main Street,
Bozeman,
MT
59715
1 person
favorited this theater
The Ellen Theatre is located in historic downtown Bozeman, Montana. The theatre was designed by architect Fred Willson and opened on December 1, 1919. In January 1925, a Wurlitzer (opus #979) organ was shipped from the Wurlitzer factory and installed in the theatre as a Style E X (two chambers). The organ is still playing at the theater.
The Ellen Theatre was named after Ellen Trent Story, the wife of Nelson Story, who settled in Bozeman in the mid-1800’s. He drove 3,000 head of cattle from Texas to Bozeman, which formed the beginnings of the cattle industry in Montana.
Last operated by Carmike Cinemas, the Ellen Theatre closed in June 2007. It was purchased by a local theatrical group called Montan TheatreWorks. After several months of refurbishing and construction, the theatre reopened in December 2008. It is now a thriving showplace for the community, hosting plays, musicals, concerts, film, school events and fundraisers for local non-profits.
Contributed by
Grant Smith
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Recent comments (view all 22 comments)
This is another August 2008 photo from a different photographer.
News about reopening on 12/5/08:
http://tinyurl.com/79trj5
Someone should send forward page to Ellen Degeneres producers. A perfect way to increase the Ellen’s donations kitty.
She could comically build a road trip show around “her” name finally being up in lights, and bring a few days revenue boost to both the theatre and the town of Bozeman.
She could interview the famous residents listed above, as well as any folksy local residents exclusively.
Guess I should proof read posts a little better.
1988 photo of the Ellen Theatre.
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1988 photo with the marquee lit.
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From the 1930s a photo of the Ellen Theatre in Bozeman.
Nice photos Don and Chuck.
Wasn’t it called CINEMA ONE in the Early Seventies.I have “LONGEST YARD” playing Christmas day at the Cinema One.
Mike the Cinema One and Two was a different theatre altogether.
That is so strange.But I believe you when it comes to small towns! Looking at the ads one day it is the Ellen theatre next day one sees Cinema One.Guess they had no advertising Budget.thanks.Iam glad i did not submit a New Theatre.LOL.