The Yuraku-Kwan Theatre launched on July 30, 1919 located near Mooheau Park. On December 3, 1919, the theatre switched to Hollywood films with a contract with Universal Studios and International News Service for newsreels. Two new projectors elevated the presentation.
When the Empire Theatre was rebuilt, its Hollywood studio bookings were moved there beginning on March 13, 1921. The theatre didn’t covert to sound and became a popular venue for Japanese, Chinese and Filipino patrons sometimes featuring live Polynesian music.
The theatre was purchased by the Franklin Circuit and became the Mamo Theatre launching with 996 seats which arrived late postponing opening from September 3d to September 24th, 1937 likely using some part of the Yuarku-Kan.
Royal Theatres of the West Circuit took on the venue retaining its manager. In fact, the Mamo had just one manager from 1945 to its final day of operation on September 10, 1982 ending its movie run with “Tron.” The theatre was then used for live stage plays. On April 17, 1995 the roof partially collapsed and two months later another collapse ending the building’s run. It was replaced by a parking area and Farmers' Market.
The Capitol Theatre launched with Laura La Plante in “The Love Thrill” on March 24, 1927. The real star of opening night, according to reports, was the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, which had its effects in the left arch and the music in the right arch. Two Jones Grand pianos were also in the orchestra pit with seven live performers.
In February of 1928, the venue was equipped with both Movietone and Vitaphone sound systems. Universal presented the World Premiere of “Melody of Love” and at the Capitol on September 24, 1928. Over the years, stars including Barbara Stanwyck, Lillian Gish and magician Harry Blackstone would appear on the Capitol stage. Its Spanish courtyard atmospheric design would eventually be updated and its Wurlitzer would be jettisoned in 1965 and sent to Colorado Springs. Dubinsky Brothers Circuit took on the venue in 1972 and closed the location on January 6, 1985. The terra cotta, wrought iron and archways were among the elements sold at salvage prior to the theater’s demolition.
The former Lydia turned Grand Theatre had a major renovation in 1936 that cost as much as most small-town new theatres in 1936. Owner Harry Schiller was preparing the theatre for a Christmas 1936 relaunch as the New Grand when a fire on December 8, 1936 destroyed the theatre. A new plan was drawn up with work starting almost immediately.
On May 7, 1937, the new New Grand launched with “A Star is Born.”
Fred H. Michelson began construction of his new theater in 1907 in downtown Grand Island. The Michelson launched on May 18, 1908 with live acts and motion pictures. The Strand replaced the Michelson on October 27, 1920 with its new Bartola Organ played by B.G. Cowham and playing Cecil B. DeMille’s “Something to Think About.” Dorothy Root Gibbs succeeded him playing the Bartola. The Strand ended its operations on April 27, 1924 with Gaston Glass in “After the Ball.” After unsuccessfully finding a new operator, the venue was retrofitted in 1926 and 1927 for an L.J. Skaggs Grocery Store.
The Gothenburg Opera House launched with the live play, “Valley Farm,” on June 4, 1909. And the patrons didn’t have to wait long for the first films to play there - the first moving picture show was a week later on June 12, 1909. Films became the predominant form there and the venue was renamed the Sun Theatre on November 23, 1917 relaunching with Douglas Fairbanks starring in “The Americano.”
The Strand replaced the Michelson on October 27, 1920 with its new Bartola Organ played by B.G. Cowham and playing Cecil B. DeMille’s “Something to Think About.”
The Elks Theatre opened with a live stage presentation of “The Wizard of Oz” on December 22, 1904. The theatre became the Orpheum Theatre on May 22, 1921 staying live. But then the Orpheum relied more heavily on motion pictures installing sound in 1929. Its major, multi-month 1930 refresh largely was aimed at presenting talkies. And W.F. McAleer pulled off a major coup in 1932 by signing up exhibition contracts with both MGM and Warner Brothers to become the top movie house in town.
The final film at the Orpheum was December 19, 1939 with “Nurse Edith Cavell.” Showings of “Nonotchka” were cancelled when the film print and theatre burned ending the theater’s run on December 20, 1939.
The Parsons launched on December 17, 1941 with Robert Young in “Married Bachelor" with seating for 750 people. Shy of its third anniversary, a fire on September 23, 1943 gutted the theatre. H.J. Griffith Amusements Circuit had to get dispensation to rebuild the venue from the War Production Board. The New Parsons Theatre launched on August 31, 1944 with Lucille Ball and Dick Powell in “Meet the People.”
Commonwealth Circuit took on the location. The final operator was B&B Theaters Circuit which turned the venue into a three-plex rebranding as the Parsons Cinema. It was the 46th location for B&B. The Parsons was split on the lower floor and an upper floor auditorium was created in the former balcony. B&B discontinued a policy of late night X-rated films. Seating count for all three theaters combined was 500.
The two screens opened on December 21, 1984 still under the Parsons Theatre. The name of the theatre officially changed to the Parsons Cinema with a grand opening celebrating Screen #3’s arrival on February 2, 1985. B&B subleased to a couple who were considering purchasing and renovating the venue in November of 1998. That became moot when the theatre burned down due to a faulty furnace on December 15, 1998.
Note: This theatre opened for the first time in 1941 - not 1921. The note above correctly states that the Parsons Amusement Company (which owned the Elks Theatre as of 1918 and also the Liberty Theatre both in Parsons) did build a new theater but it was in Nevada, Missouri in 1921 (which the note also says)… not a new theater in Parsons.
Homer H. Daniels launched the Liberty Theatre here on May 9, 1919. The opening film was William S. Hart in “The Hell Hound of Alaska.” Dickinson Theatres Circuit took on the venue closing it in 1928. When the circuit closed the Best for a refresh and name change to the Uptown on June 16, 1928, Dickinson reopened the Liberty on June 18, 1928 to carry the Best/Uptown bookings.
After Dickinson closed the Liberty in 1929, Daniels reacquired the venue equipping it with Photophone to project sound films. It reopened September 13, 1929 with “We Americans” as a new named revealed to those patrons for the first time as the Gala Theatre. Daniels closed the Gala for the summer of 1931 but sold it in October. The theatre chairs were sold at 50 cents each as the theatre redecorated.
With new seating and a refresh, the Gala nameplate was jettisoned in favor of the Ritz Theatre. It debuted on November 23, 1931 with Jaynet Gaynor with “Daddy Long Legs” and Glenn Tryon “The College Racket” supported by a Graham McNamee sports short and newsreel.
H.J. Griffith Amusements merged with Dickinson creating Griffith-Dickinson in 1939. Griffith decided to refresh the front of the building to a streamlined moderne look. After a naming contest, the name Katy was chosen with the Katy Theatre debuting June 20, 1941 with Henry Fonda in “Chad Hanna” and Roy Rogers in “The Sheriff of Tombstone.”
The Best Theatre launched on July 19, 1911 with “Is Time for Press,” “The Baseball Star from Bingville,” “Fighting Blood” and a “Spot Song.” The Best closed as a silent theater venue in June of 1928 for a major, three-week, $30,000 refresh under a new name. The Kimball organ was excised as Dickinson Theatres Circuit decided to equip the theatre with a “super organ.” The operator stated that silent dramas would best be presented with a “super organ.” A $20,000 Wick three-manual direct actuation electric model was selected as that super model. New Motiograph projectors and all new seating were also part of the update. The booth was expanded in the event that the theatre might adopt sound equipment in the future.
The Best closed with the film, “Ladies' Night in a Turkish Bath” on June 16, 1928. While the theatre was closed for the refresh, Dickinson reopened the moribund Liberty Theatre on June 18, 1928 to carry the Best/Uptown bookings. The New Uptown Theatre launched with silent films on July 2, 1928 with Colleen Moore in “Happiness Ahead,” live music with Don Reynaldo Torres and Troubadours Orchestra and Jimmie Durkin at the Wick organ.
The theatre was equipped for sound in March of 1929. During the Depression, sponsored a popular Bank Night. That, however, was ruled as an illegal lottery in 1935 and discontinued. On November 24, 1935, Dickinson Circuit then renamed this venue as the Dickinson Theatre relaunching with Gary Cooper in “Peter Ibbetson.” The displaced Uptown was getting a new location just two doors Eastward to its new home at 1815 Main Street retrofitting an existing retail spot - Smith Clothing Company - for a streamlined theater. (The New Uptown opened on a 15-year lease on December 8, 1935 and has its own CinemaTreasure page.)
When H.J. Griffith Amusements merged with Dickinson in 1939 creating the Griffith-Dickinson Circuit, Griffith decided to refresh both the (New) Uptown and the Dickinson. The Dickinson sign was removed with a naming contest for the new location. After its refresh the contest winner was announced with the venue renamed the Kansan Theatre. The new Kansan opened May 27, 1939. It launched with Bob Hope in “Some Like It Hot”.
The Kansan re-upped with a ten-year lease in 1950. It closed in 1960 and was converted into a dry cleaners and has since been demolished.
Dickinson Theatres Circuit opened the New Uptown Theatre here on December 8, 1935 with Kay Francis in “I Found Stella Parish” and May Robson in “Three Kids and a Queen.” The former Uptown had taken over the Best Theatre location in 1928 but Dickinson decided to move it two doors Eastward to a retrofitted retail operation just vacated by Smith Clothing Company, The resulting streamlined deco theatre had a 15-year lease. The former Best / Uptown Theatre was renamed the Dickinson Theatre (and, later, the Kansan Theatre in 1939).
When H.J. Griffith Amusements merged with Dickinson in 1939 creating the Griffith-Dickinson Circuit, Griffith decided to refresh both the (New) Uptown and the Dickinson. The Best/Uptown/Dickinson became the Kansan after a renaming contest. The (New) New Uptown Theatre relaunched on May 6, 1939 with Adolphe Menjou in “King of the Turf.” The theatre sputtered after World War II failing to fulfill its 15-year lease with Griffith Amusement Circuit closing it in 1946. It was retrofitted for a Singer Sewing Machine retail store in 1947.
The Parsons Drive-In Theatre launched on May 6, 1948 by Louis Stein with “Home in Indiana” supported by a cartoon and newsreel. Stein Theatres sold the theatre to Commonwealth Theatres Circuit which - in turn - sold it to B&B.Theatres Circuit.
B&B closed it in the wee hours of July 4, 1988 citing lack of attendance. The Parsons went out in style with an all night lineup of “Crocodile Dundee II,” “Vice Versa,” “Dirty Dancing,” and “La Bamba.”
Mr. and Mrs. James W. Pace launched the original Pace Theatre on April 3, 1916 with a live play, “Kentucky Sue.” Son, Archie, also worked at the Pace Theatre. But the family decided to build a more grand venue.
The new location was announced in 1923 with architectural plans by E.B. Watson of Norfolk. The original Pace continued until January of 1925 when the New Pace opened nearby. The new Pace has its own page as the Eagle Theatre, a name it received in 1967.
Mr. and Mrs. James W. Pace launched the original Pace Theatre on April 3, 1916 with a live play, “Kentucky Sue.” Son, Archie, also worked at the Pace Theatre. But the family decided to build a more grand venue.
The new location was announced in 1923 with architectural plans by E.B. Watson of Norfolk. The theatre finally launched on January 14, 1925 with “The Sea Hawk” and a musical concert on the mighty Wurlitzer organ from Kanas City costing $10,000. In 1929, the Pace added sound to stay relevant. And in 1930, James' son, Clyde Pace, was sent to manage the new Pace in Gordon.
Black Hills Amusement took over the theatre with Ted Jastroff managing. A major overhaul led the theatre to its final stage as the Eagle Theatre beginning on September 27, 1967 with “The Dirty Dozen.” Commonwealth Theatre Circuit took on the venue. Craig and Janine Bullard took on the single-screen venue in 1986 adding one screen each in 1989 and 1992 in the balcony and then purchasing the neighboring insurance building to add the fourth screen in 1997.
The Yuraku-Kwan Theatre launched on July 30, 1919 located near Mooheau Park. On December 3, 1919, the theatre switched to Hollywood films with a contract with Universal Studios and International News Service for newsreels. Two new projectors elevated the presentation.
When the Empire Theatre was rebuilt, its Hollywood studio bookings were moved there beginning on March 13, 1921. The theatre didn’t covert to sound and became a popular venue for Japanese, Chinese and Filipino patrons sometimes featuring live Polynesian music.
The theatre was purchased by the Franklin Circuit and became the Mamo Theatre launching with 996 seats which arrived late postponing opening from September 3d to September 24th, 1937 likely using some part of the Yuarku-Kan.
Royal Theatres of the West Circuit took on the venue retaining its manager. In fact, the Mamo had just one manager from 1945 to its final day of operation on September 10, 1982 ending its movie run with “Tron.” The theatre was then used for live stage plays. On April 17, 1995 the roof partially collapsed and two months later another collapse ending the building’s run. It was replaced by a parking area and Farmers' Market.
BTW: It was never called the Yara-Kwan Theatre.
The Capitol Theatre launched with Laura La Plante in “The Love Thrill” on March 24, 1927. The real star of opening night, according to reports, was the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, which had its effects in the left arch and the music in the right arch. Two Jones Grand pianos were also in the orchestra pit with seven live performers.
In February of 1928, the venue was equipped with both Movietone and Vitaphone sound systems. Universal presented the World Premiere of “Melody of Love” and at the Capitol on September 24, 1928. Over the years, stars including Barbara Stanwyck, Lillian Gish and magician Harry Blackstone would appear on the Capitol stage. Its Spanish courtyard atmospheric design would eventually be updated and its Wurlitzer would be jettisoned in 1965 and sent to Colorado Springs. Dubinsky Brothers Circuit took on the venue in 1972 and closed the location on January 6, 1985. The terra cotta, wrought iron and archways were among the elements sold at salvage prior to the theater’s demolition.
The Island Theatre launched with “College Days” on May 19, 1927.
My error - Lyda
Worked with Corgan Architects to add an second screen upstairs in 2021.
The former Lydia turned Grand Theatre had a major renovation in 1936 that cost as much as most small-town new theatres in 1936. Owner Harry Schiller was preparing the theatre for a Christmas 1936 relaunch as the New Grand when a fire on December 8, 1936 destroyed the theatre. A new plan was drawn up with work starting almost immediately.
On May 7, 1937, the new New Grand launched with “A Star is Born.”
Fred H. Michelson began construction of his new theater in 1907 in downtown Grand Island. The Michelson launched on May 18, 1908 with live acts and motion pictures. The Strand replaced the Michelson on October 27, 1920 with its new Bartola Organ played by B.G. Cowham and playing Cecil B. DeMille’s “Something to Think About.” Dorothy Root Gibbs succeeded him playing the Bartola. The Strand ended its operations on April 27, 1924 with Gaston Glass in “After the Ball.” After unsuccessfully finding a new operator, the venue was retrofitted in 1926 and 1927 for an L.J. Skaggs Grocery Store.
The Gothenburg Opera House launched with the live play, “Valley Farm,” on June 4, 1909. And the patrons didn’t have to wait long for the first films to play there - the first moving picture show was a week later on June 12, 1909. Films became the predominant form there and the venue was renamed the Sun Theatre on November 23, 1917 relaunching with Douglas Fairbanks starring in “The Americano.”
Closes January 14, 2021 permanently for demolition.
The Elks theatre became the Orpheum Theatre on May 22, 1921 staying with live presentations
On May 7, 1937, the Grand launches with “A Star is Born.”
September 14, 1913 launch of the Majestic Theatre.
The Island Theatre launched with “College Days” on May 19, 1927.
The Strand Theatre launched in Arcadia (though not necessarily here) on July 2, 1930 with talking pictures.
The Strand replaced the Michelson on October 27, 1920 with its new Bartola Organ played by B.G. Cowham and playing Cecil B. DeMille’s “Something to Think About.”
The Elks Theatre opened with a live stage presentation of “The Wizard of Oz” on December 22, 1904. The theatre became the Orpheum Theatre on May 22, 1921 staying live. But then the Orpheum relied more heavily on motion pictures installing sound in 1929. Its major, multi-month 1930 refresh largely was aimed at presenting talkies. And W.F. McAleer pulled off a major coup in 1932 by signing up exhibition contracts with both MGM and Warner Brothers to become the top movie house in town.
The final film at the Orpheum was December 19, 1939 with “Nurse Edith Cavell.” Showings of “Nonotchka” were cancelled when the film print and theatre burned ending the theater’s run on December 20, 1939.
December 20, 1939 - Fire ends the Orpheum.
The Parsons launched on December 17, 1941 with Robert Young in “Married Bachelor" with seating for 750 people. Shy of its third anniversary, a fire on September 23, 1943 gutted the theatre. H.J. Griffith Amusements Circuit had to get dispensation to rebuild the venue from the War Production Board. The New Parsons Theatre launched on August 31, 1944 with Lucille Ball and Dick Powell in “Meet the People.”
Commonwealth Circuit took on the location. The final operator was B&B Theaters Circuit which turned the venue into a three-plex rebranding as the Parsons Cinema. It was the 46th location for B&B. The Parsons was split on the lower floor and an upper floor auditorium was created in the former balcony. B&B discontinued a policy of late night X-rated films. Seating count for all three theaters combined was 500.
The two screens opened on December 21, 1984 still under the Parsons Theatre. The name of the theatre officially changed to the Parsons Cinema with a grand opening celebrating Screen #3’s arrival on February 2, 1985. B&B subleased to a couple who were considering purchasing and renovating the venue in November of 1998. That became moot when the theatre burned down due to a faulty furnace on December 15, 1998.
Note: This theatre opened for the first time in 1941 - not 1921. The note above correctly states that the Parsons Amusement Company (which owned the Elks Theatre as of 1918 and also the Liberty Theatre both in Parsons) did build a new theater but it was in Nevada, Missouri in 1921 (which the note also says)… not a new theater in Parsons.
Homer H. Daniels launched the Liberty Theatre here on May 9, 1919. The opening film was William S. Hart in “The Hell Hound of Alaska.” Dickinson Theatres Circuit took on the venue closing it in 1928. When the circuit closed the Best for a refresh and name change to the Uptown on June 16, 1928, Dickinson reopened the Liberty on June 18, 1928 to carry the Best/Uptown bookings.
After Dickinson closed the Liberty in 1929, Daniels reacquired the venue equipping it with Photophone to project sound films. It reopened September 13, 1929 with “We Americans” as a new named revealed to those patrons for the first time as the Gala Theatre. Daniels closed the Gala for the summer of 1931 but sold it in October. The theatre chairs were sold at 50 cents each as the theatre redecorated.
With new seating and a refresh, the Gala nameplate was jettisoned in favor of the Ritz Theatre. It debuted on November 23, 1931 with Jaynet Gaynor with “Daddy Long Legs” and Glenn Tryon “The College Racket” supported by a Graham McNamee sports short and newsreel.
H.J. Griffith Amusements merged with Dickinson creating Griffith-Dickinson in 1939. Griffith decided to refresh the front of the building to a streamlined moderne look. After a naming contest, the name Katy was chosen with the Katy Theatre debuting June 20, 1941 with Henry Fonda in “Chad Hanna” and Roy Rogers in “The Sheriff of Tombstone.”
Address has typo - 1911 Main is correct.
Architectural sketch of the new Parsons Theatre in 1941 by E.J. Bauer and Bill J. Moore.
The Best Theatre launched on July 19, 1911 with “Is Time for Press,” “The Baseball Star from Bingville,” “Fighting Blood” and a “Spot Song.” The Best closed as a silent theater venue in June of 1928 for a major, three-week, $30,000 refresh under a new name. The Kimball organ was excised as Dickinson Theatres Circuit decided to equip the theatre with a “super organ.” The operator stated that silent dramas would best be presented with a “super organ.” A $20,000 Wick three-manual direct actuation electric model was selected as that super model. New Motiograph projectors and all new seating were also part of the update. The booth was expanded in the event that the theatre might adopt sound equipment in the future.
The Best closed with the film, “Ladies' Night in a Turkish Bath” on June 16, 1928. While the theatre was closed for the refresh, Dickinson reopened the moribund Liberty Theatre on June 18, 1928 to carry the Best/Uptown bookings. The New Uptown Theatre launched with silent films on July 2, 1928 with Colleen Moore in “Happiness Ahead,” live music with Don Reynaldo Torres and Troubadours Orchestra and Jimmie Durkin at the Wick organ.
The theatre was equipped for sound in March of 1929. During the Depression, sponsored a popular Bank Night. That, however, was ruled as an illegal lottery in 1935 and discontinued. On November 24, 1935, Dickinson Circuit then renamed this venue as the Dickinson Theatre relaunching with Gary Cooper in “Peter Ibbetson.” The displaced Uptown was getting a new location just two doors Eastward to its new home at 1815 Main Street retrofitting an existing retail spot - Smith Clothing Company - for a streamlined theater. (The New Uptown opened on a 15-year lease on December 8, 1935 and has its own CinemaTreasure page.)
When H.J. Griffith Amusements merged with Dickinson in 1939 creating the Griffith-Dickinson Circuit, Griffith decided to refresh both the (New) Uptown and the Dickinson. The Dickinson sign was removed with a naming contest for the new location. After its refresh the contest winner was announced with the venue renamed the Kansan Theatre. The new Kansan opened May 27, 1939. It launched with Bob Hope in “Some Like It Hot”.
The Kansan re-upped with a ten-year lease in 1950. It closed in 1960 and was converted into a dry cleaners and has since been demolished.
Dickinson Theatres Circuit opened the New Uptown Theatre here on December 8, 1935 with Kay Francis in “I Found Stella Parish” and May Robson in “Three Kids and a Queen.” The former Uptown had taken over the Best Theatre location in 1928 but Dickinson decided to move it two doors Eastward to a retrofitted retail operation just vacated by Smith Clothing Company, The resulting streamlined deco theatre had a 15-year lease. The former Best / Uptown Theatre was renamed the Dickinson Theatre (and, later, the Kansan Theatre in 1939).
When H.J. Griffith Amusements merged with Dickinson in 1939 creating the Griffith-Dickinson Circuit, Griffith decided to refresh both the (New) Uptown and the Dickinson. The Best/Uptown/Dickinson became the Kansan after a renaming contest. The (New) New Uptown Theatre relaunched on May 6, 1939 with Adolphe Menjou in “King of the Turf.” The theatre sputtered after World War II failing to fulfill its 15-year lease with Griffith Amusement Circuit closing it in 1946. It was retrofitted for a Singer Sewing Machine retail store in 1947.
The Parsons Drive-In Theatre launched on May 6, 1948 by Louis Stein with “Home in Indiana” supported by a cartoon and newsreel. Stein Theatres sold the theatre to Commonwealth Theatres Circuit which - in turn - sold it to B&B.Theatres Circuit.
B&B closed it in the wee hours of July 4, 1988 citing lack of attendance. The Parsons went out in style with an all night lineup of “Crocodile Dundee II,” “Vice Versa,” “Dirty Dancing,” and “La Bamba.”
Mr. and Mrs. James W. Pace launched the original Pace Theatre on April 3, 1916 with a live play, “Kentucky Sue.” Son, Archie, also worked at the Pace Theatre. But the family decided to build a more grand venue.
The new location was announced in 1923 with architectural plans by E.B. Watson of Norfolk. The original Pace continued until January of 1925 when the New Pace opened nearby. The new Pace has its own page as the Eagle Theatre, a name it received in 1967.
Mr. and Mrs. James W. Pace launched the original Pace Theatre on April 3, 1916 with a live play, “Kentucky Sue.” Son, Archie, also worked at the Pace Theatre. But the family decided to build a more grand venue.
The new location was announced in 1923 with architectural plans by E.B. Watson of Norfolk. The theatre finally launched on January 14, 1925 with “The Sea Hawk” and a musical concert on the mighty Wurlitzer organ from Kanas City costing $10,000. In 1929, the Pace added sound to stay relevant. And in 1930, James' son, Clyde Pace, was sent to manage the new Pace in Gordon.
Black Hills Amusement took over the theatre with Ted Jastroff managing. A major overhaul led the theatre to its final stage as the Eagle Theatre beginning on September 27, 1967 with “The Dirty Dozen.” Commonwealth Theatre Circuit took on the venue. Craig and Janine Bullard took on the single-screen venue in 1986 adding one screen each in 1989 and 1992 in the balcony and then purchasing the neighboring insurance building to add the fourth screen in 1997.