Mulkey Theatre may be reborn

posted by CSWalczak on March 30, 2011 at 10:45 am

CLARENDON, TX — Recently named to the list of the Ten Most Endangered sites in Texas, the 1940’s era Mulkey Theatre is being embraced by local supporters interested in raising funds for its gradual restoration and reopening as a movie theater. Roof repairs have been completed, but more structural repair is needed, and the current goal is to repair and relight the marquee.

The Mulkey, once a cinematic gathering place for rural Donley County, has fallen into disrepair, but not yet rubble. The peach, salmon and navy blue tiles that decorate the exterior are still there. So are the hooks that once held the neon lights in place, dangling from the street overhang. A sign in the ticket booth advertises 9-cent admission for children.

For now, refurbishing and repairing the Mulkey is a one-step-at-a-time process, but one of its backers is optimistic about completing the project, especially since the theater has been named to Texas' Most Endangered list by Preservation Texas, a private advocacy group that encourages support and funding for historic places, archives and artifacts.

There is more in the Amarillo Globe-News.

Theaters in this post

• Mulkey Theatre