The theatre name is named after Howard Morin who was the main opponent to the theatre. He closed the nearby American Theatre later that February 1938 which the American Theatre is part of the city’s Town Hall.
The actual opening date is September 3, 1937 with the Marx Brothers in “A Day At The Races”, originally listed as a Saturday Matinee but it apparently listed as a Friday Matinee as well since it made its grand opening on a Friday.
On February 17, 1943, the Star Theatre was severely damaged by a fire which also suffered damage from Emery’s Five and Ten Cent Store, Carl’s Neal Barber Shop, and the city’s Beauty Shop, which first spawned at the rear of the theater. No cause was reported. According to an article, it says that the theater opened on December 5, 1942. It late reopened on April 5, 1943 with Paul Muni in “Commandos Strike At Dawn”. It was closed in 1951 after C. C. Freeman of Sanford, North Carolina from the Stewart & Everett Theater Incorporated chain bought the theater on November 24th of that year. He is married earlier that year and he and his wife had an apartment in the home of a postmaster and Mrs. G. R. Hogue. The theater’s stuff went on sale throughout 1952.
Yes it is originally named the Pa-Ra-Mo. The theater itself opened On December 12, 1940.
Some information about the theater goes as follows: This theater used to be a church prior to its reconstruction since 1901, and the theater name is named by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lamere’s children, Pa for Paul, Ra for Rachael, and Mo for Monica. The original brick building is a white stucco, 75x46 feet in size but 30 feet been added to the rear and 15 feet to the front for the entrance and lobby. There are 2 double french doors in front. The seats are brown leather with 14 seats to the row, every other end seat in each row being of a “love seat” type, which brings a total to 418 in capacity, are set in staggered form on a 4-foot/inch rise from the stage to the rear of the theatre. The aisle floor covering of deep pile velour in rich tans and browns. The side walls are of soft colored composition planking in shades of tan and brown, with chromium moulding. The lighting effect is mostly unusual as there being three vertical lights fixtures at equal distances apart on each side wall of the theatre. The lights may be regulated to cast many varicolored lighting effects. The original architecture of the interior is a Spanish Mission type been maintained and the rich deep brown of the beams overhead harmonize with the side walls and acoustic ceiling paneling. The stage is not large at all but commodities a sizable group of artists. The long, full folds of garnet colored velour curtains with gold trim open automatically by electricity. The drapes were crimson and golden satin underneath and the three tier satin fluting overhead presenting a charming rich appearance. Dressing rooms are located at the basement level, and at either side of the stage an exit door opens out from the main floor. There are 2 convenient lavatories on the main floor, and the projector booth is on the second floor. The booth is 18x16 feet and is fireproof and well ventilated. There is also a private lavatory and dressing room which adjourns the booth. The theater also equips with steam heated and cooling air conditioners. The building itself has an addition on the east side, 80x18, has been made to accommodate the printing office which Mr. Lamere has ben associated since 1904.
So It Opened The Following Day, With A Double Feature: “Look For The Silver Lining” And “Massacre River” Along With A Looney Tunes: Porky Pig In “Awful Orphan”.
On December 27, 1957, 2 14-year-olds have admitted that they set off a homemade bomb that was normally been planned 3 months prior as it was made out of firecrackers, BB pellets, and a cardboard. They were later arrested at a drive-in cafe. The two said that the placing of the bomb was set at front of the Esquire Theatre which were showing a Walt Disney film at that time filled with a crowd, mostly teenagers and children, but they did not want to injure anyone and put it where they did not believe anyone would be sitting. The bomb had a short firecracker fuse and several inches of slow burning string. It exploded about 20 minutes after it lit. The explosion described as a blinding orange and red flash, and threw one youth from his seat and blew a cushion 15 feet. This caused a bit of damage. The Interstate chain had offered a $1,000 reward right after the blast.
The reason why the theater was remodeled in 1939 is because on the morning of June 13, 1939, the theater was gutted by a fire, estimating a loss between $35K and $40K. The fire cause was unknown, but most likely the roof.
On the evening of April 21, 1942, the Capitol Theatre is destroyed by 2 fires and an explosion. The Delphos Daily Herald reported that the first fire was caused by the projector which were showing a trailer for Gary Cooper in “Ball of Fire” prior to a double showing of “Bombay Clipper” and “Mr. and Mrs. North”. Which at that time, the screen flashed out when the film suddenly broke and a portion of broken pieces became lodged in the aperture plate of the projector. The intense heat from lamps caused the film to ignite and the fire was immediately transmitted to a reel of films on the rewind table, and the heat from the burning celluloid almost immediately broke the fusible links causing the fireproof doors on the film vault and projection port holes to close automatically. The second blaze was also discovered at the projection room which is used to store 7,000 feet of reel, and was destroyed during the blaze. 6,000 feet of both movies, and 1,000 feet of trailers, advertisements, local merchants, and snipes. The projectors and sound systems were also damaged by the fire. The cause of the blast is unknown, but it blew open the fireproof doors.
The Avon Theatre actually opened on August 14, 1936 with Bing Crosby in “Rhythm On The Range” along with an unnamed Traveltalks, an unnamed Happy Harmonies, and a RKO/Pathé Newsreel.
Some information about the theater goes as follows: Lake N. Wilkins, who has been the manager of the nearby Ideal Theatre for many years took the standard role as manager for both theaters. Edwin Pelletier of Woodsville, New Hampshire, was the operator, and Mrs. Murial Burt who was formerly employed at Paramount is the cashier. The doorman will be held by Geni Aspeso of Brattleboro. Lastly, the ushers were Willia Coffee and Roland Abbott, and they will be garbed in coats of blue serge with the Avon name on the left lapel with white trousers and black bow ties. The curtains of the Avon were treated with panels of rock wool, over which are draped of scarlet and gold damask and the same color scheme holds where the other drapes were used. The remainder of the wall under the balcony is treated with Nuwood in a two tone effect. There are no ceiling lights, but the house lighting appears along the sides of the wall in the form of groups of shielded colored bulbs in subdued tones. Spanish balconies flank each side of the stage and red and gold damask drapes were added. The proscenium valance on both colors of the damask are with sateen and the draw curtains are red and gold Lexington brocade, sateen lined. The screen’s size is unnamed but was an extra large daylight silver and seamless. The seating ranges were widely enough, each fully upholstered and are reached along aisles covered with royal cashmere carpets in designs and tones. Seats of the same type were recently installed at the Metropolitan Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. The capacity is a total of 546. Air conditioners are also installed and guaranteed (by Springfield’s Plumbing & Heating Company which also worked on the plumbers, heating specialists, sheet metal work, and oil burner installations) every 3½ minutes by 3 “Airate” ventilating fans of 22,000 cubic foot volume, which extends through the building, foyer, restrooms, office, and others. The foyer is in a design of 4 colors with mirrors and panels and leading off from it are the offices, cashier’s booth, and large ventilated restrooms for both genders. The electrical contractors were Geo H. Abbott and his son’s company of Springfield. The marquee, which was placed in name earlier 3 days prior to its grand opening carried the name of the theatre is large letters bounded by neon lights in 3 colors. The sound equipment is an RCA Protophone system, and there are 2 Simplex machines.
It became the Ellis Theatre on December 17, 1960 with Bing Crosby in “High Time” after the Avon Theatre closed its doors in May 1960 after finding new ownership.
The Fain Theatre is first known as the Plaza Theatre and opened on September 6, 1934 with Charles Bickford in “Little Miss Marker”. It became the Fain Theatre exactly 3 years and 3 days later on September 9, 1937 and reopened with Federick March and Janet Gaynor in the hit-smash “A Star Is Born” along with a Disney cartoon. Information about the theater goes as follows: The theater was named after Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Fain. Located a foot away from the Bibb Graves Bridge, it is easily accessable to both sections of the city. A brick constructed theater with a 13x16 marquee and finished foyer and lobby. The size is 38x120 with a seating capacity of 500 in the first floor for white people and 200 for colored people in the second floor bringing a total of 700. The curtain is iridescent dream cloth with maroon and cream walls and the aisles carpeted. Lighting is arranged along the walls and further softened by vari-colored lights on either side of the tall white lights. The seats were draped in red leather being upholstered luxurious with the best edge springs. They’re spaced 32 inches apart for the further convenience and comfort of patrons, with the standard spacing being 30 inches. Simplex projectors were used in the booth. Red, blue and white lights in front the Neon sign were most attractive, the movable display being in shape of a fan opening and closing. There is a V-shape marquee for the display of current attractions. Inside emergency exits are prepared as well, and heating and cooling plants were also installed.
The Holiday Drive-In opened on April 2, 1953 with Dan Dailey and Diana Lynn in “Meet Me At The Fair” with no selected short subjects.
There was a lot of details about the theater, but I’ll explain the most of it as follows: The Holiday covers a total of 261,360 Sq Ft covering all with limestone gravel, and the concession stand fits a total of 40 people. A space between 19 feet or more between speakers. The entrance back in 1953 was located off of Ohio Avenue, Asheville Highway 19-23, Mohawk Road, and Holiday Drive (or Martins Creek Road), but as on my worth, a map displayed on the Grand Opening advertisement that was more commonly off the Mohawk Road exactly a single block from Martins Creek Road since the enter and exit paths displays were shown. The attraction signs displays were off of Ohio Avenue and 19-23. There are 2 entrance lanes into the box office, where two cashiers take his role, and two other attendants to render service to the patron’s car by cleaning the entire vehicle. There was also a moonlight pole, a total of 85 feet high making the whole area as light as the brightest moonlight night. The screen was erected and constructed by the Golian Steel & Iron Company of Atlanta, Georgia. The screen is nearly 70 feet (840 inches tall) out of steel, and the steel tower is constructed to withstand a wind gale of 135 MPH. There was also a playground surrounded by a low white picked fence in front of the screen. There were swings, see-saws, slides, a merry-go-around, and a climb-a-round (monkey tree) just to name a few. The Salyer Candy Company of Johnson City, Tennessee and the American Popcorn Company of Sioux City, Iowa delivers the food galore at the stand. The projector that was used is a Simplex Z. L. with Execlite projection lamp providing maximum screen illumination, and it projects a distance of 400 feet on a screen over 60 feet square and maintain rock sternness without flicker, jump or blur. This is a magnification of approximately 520,000 times. Incidentally, some of the finest microscopes only 600 times, and the projectors at the Holiday project 1,440 separate pictures upon the screen every minute. The Super Snaplite is what the manager chooses from the market manufactured by the Killmorgan Optical Company in 1952. The Execlite purchased in early 1953 also featured the exclusive Lightronic Automatic Focus controls patented precision reflectors with velvet smooth power produced by a Hertner 25 Horsepower Transverter producing 125 amperes of 29,700 watts, equaling to a total of 297 light globes of 100 watts each. Its projection building with two large steel casement picture windows, asphalt tile floors and interior walls and ceiling decorated in chartreuse all constructed being of fireproof materials is on the second floor of the same building, a point of interest and education which the management planned to open at intervals for public inspection. The concessions building is a patio fo green masonry extending several feet in front of the building on which is placed comfortable metal porch and lawn chairs and tables for the benefit of those patrons who wish to sit on the patio, bite or drink and view the screen performance under a ceiling of fleecy white clouds and stardust. A canopy or overhang under which is installed a speaker system and recessed indirect lightning projects a few feet from the first roof extending the length and width of the building. There are 3 public entrances with double French doors in front and one standard door in each side. The manager’s room is well-equipped office with paneled walls in gumwood and carpeted floors is also on the second floor of the building where he can watch the operations and screen as well. The exterior doors were trimmed in verdas green and the walls are decorated in marine sea-foam with chartreuse, orange and canary trim. The interior walls are in the same buff colored tile in the concession building as the exterior The floor is in varicolored ceramic tile with the design of the letter “H” embedded in the center referring to “Holiday” (or “Hendren”, Hendren is the president of the Crescent Amusement COmpany). The smooth finished plastered ceiling is decorated in a pastel hue of green seaform and chartreuse. For those who prefer a free sip of H2O, a refrigerated water fountain is conveniently located in the lobby with a special attachment for serving children which is one of the multitude of advanced installations in the area. A metal line rail in front of the serving counter extends the length of the room. The serving counter, warmers, attachments, etc, are of stainless steel with the front of the serving counter in Chinese red and snow white baked enamel. The Snack bar is electrically equipped including grill, kitchen facilities, refrigeration, various machines, and dispensers. The kitchen and food preparation room has tiled walls and floor is entered by attendants from back of serving counter and is furnished with their latest equipment including refrigeration, electric grill, broiler, potato peeler, and slicer. The Rabbit Foot Minstrel with its 32-ft reserve show and seat parphnelia trailer from Memphis, Tennessee made a special trip there for its grand opening, including a golden horns sound and a parade car.
The manager of the Holiday is TJ Stansel, beginning in Texas by birth and started in the theatre business as a lobby artist and relief operator in 1922. His early hobby was amateur short wave radio which prepared him for the advent of sound films in 1927. He took advantage of every opportunity to learn the technical details of operation, and later worked as a projectionist. He managed a variety of theaters in both larger and smaller towns and he was the chief engineer for the Kansas-Missouri Enterprises, a chain of 25 theaters, which was under his engineering supervision. He would later move to Florida to become a service engineer for a theatre supply house. He also lived in Chattanooga, Tennessee as a general manager, a circuit of theatres and likewise filled important positions with some larger circuits in the states of Indiana and Alabama. Right when the announcement was heard, he and his son traveled down there to make their residence. The Holiday is owned by Capitol Amusements Incorporated which formerly owned the former Cherokee Amusements Company.
The Liberty Lumber & Manufacturing Company of Erwin have done their contractors and work of the theater. One of the biggest trailer, commercial, and snipe companies of the 1950s also extend their congratulations known as Filmack, and the Motion Picture Advertising Service Incorporated of New Orleans, Louisiana also extends the same way.
The Meadows Drive-In Had A Variety Of Name Changes. It First Opened As “Tegu’s Drive-In” On May 9, 1953 With Richard Widmark In “My Pal Gus” And The Bowery Boys In “Hold That Line”. It Became The “Woodsville Drive-In” In 1962, And The Meadows Drive-In By The 1970s Or 1980s.
The theatre name is named after Howard Morin who was the main opponent to the theatre. He closed the nearby American Theatre later that February 1938 which the American Theatre is part of the city’s Town Hall.
The actual opening date is September 3, 1937 with the Marx Brothers in “A Day At The Races”, originally listed as a Saturday Matinee but it apparently listed as a Friday Matinee as well since it made its grand opening on a Friday.
On February 17, 1943, the Star Theatre was severely damaged by a fire which also suffered damage from Emery’s Five and Ten Cent Store, Carl’s Neal Barber Shop, and the city’s Beauty Shop, which first spawned at the rear of the theater. No cause was reported. According to an article, it says that the theater opened on December 5, 1942. It late reopened on April 5, 1943 with Paul Muni in “Commandos Strike At Dawn”. It was closed in 1951 after C. C. Freeman of Sanford, North Carolina from the Stewart & Everett Theater Incorporated chain bought the theater on November 24th of that year. He is married earlier that year and he and his wife had an apartment in the home of a postmaster and Mrs. G. R. Hogue. The theater’s stuff went on sale throughout 1952.
The Original Screen Before CinemaScope Is 45x60 Ft.
Before Its CinemaScope Installation In 1954, The Original Screen That Was Used Since 1951 Is 52x70 Ft.
Yes it is originally named the Pa-Ra-Mo. The theater itself opened On December 12, 1940.
Some information about the theater goes as follows: This theater used to be a church prior to its reconstruction since 1901, and the theater name is named by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lamere’s children, Pa for Paul, Ra for Rachael, and Mo for Monica. The original brick building is a white stucco, 75x46 feet in size but 30 feet been added to the rear and 15 feet to the front for the entrance and lobby. There are 2 double french doors in front. The seats are brown leather with 14 seats to the row, every other end seat in each row being of a “love seat” type, which brings a total to 418 in capacity, are set in staggered form on a 4-foot/inch rise from the stage to the rear of the theatre. The aisle floor covering of deep pile velour in rich tans and browns. The side walls are of soft colored composition planking in shades of tan and brown, with chromium moulding. The lighting effect is mostly unusual as there being three vertical lights fixtures at equal distances apart on each side wall of the theatre. The lights may be regulated to cast many varicolored lighting effects. The original architecture of the interior is a Spanish Mission type been maintained and the rich deep brown of the beams overhead harmonize with the side walls and acoustic ceiling paneling. The stage is not large at all but commodities a sizable group of artists. The long, full folds of garnet colored velour curtains with gold trim open automatically by electricity. The drapes were crimson and golden satin underneath and the three tier satin fluting overhead presenting a charming rich appearance. Dressing rooms are located at the basement level, and at either side of the stage an exit door opens out from the main floor. There are 2 convenient lavatories on the main floor, and the projector booth is on the second floor. The booth is 18x16 feet and is fireproof and well ventilated. There is also a private lavatory and dressing room which adjourns the booth. The theater also equips with steam heated and cooling air conditioners. The building itself has an addition on the east side, 80x18, has been made to accommodate the printing office which Mr. Lamere has ben associated since 1904.
So It Opened The Following Day, With A Double Feature: “Look For The Silver Lining” And “Massacre River” Along With A Looney Tunes: Porky Pig In “Awful Orphan”.
It May Have Opened As Early As December 16, 1948. A Few Ads Survive A Few Days Earlier Than That.
On December 27, 1957, 2 14-year-olds have admitted that they set off a homemade bomb that was normally been planned 3 months prior as it was made out of firecrackers, BB pellets, and a cardboard. They were later arrested at a drive-in cafe. The two said that the placing of the bomb was set at front of the Esquire Theatre which were showing a Walt Disney film at that time filled with a crowd, mostly teenagers and children, but they did not want to injure anyone and put it where they did not believe anyone would be sitting. The bomb had a short firecracker fuse and several inches of slow burning string. It exploded about 20 minutes after it lit. The explosion described as a blinding orange and red flash, and threw one youth from his seat and blew a cushion 15 feet. This caused a bit of damage. The Interstate chain had offered a $1,000 reward right after the blast.
The reason why the theater was remodeled in 1939 is because on the morning of June 13, 1939, the theater was gutted by a fire, estimating a loss between $35K and $40K. The fire cause was unknown, but most likely the roof.
On the evening of April 21, 1942, the Capitol Theatre is destroyed by 2 fires and an explosion. The Delphos Daily Herald reported that the first fire was caused by the projector which were showing a trailer for Gary Cooper in “Ball of Fire” prior to a double showing of “Bombay Clipper” and “Mr. and Mrs. North”. Which at that time, the screen flashed out when the film suddenly broke and a portion of broken pieces became lodged in the aperture plate of the projector. The intense heat from lamps caused the film to ignite and the fire was immediately transmitted to a reel of films on the rewind table, and the heat from the burning celluloid almost immediately broke the fusible links causing the fireproof doors on the film vault and projection port holes to close automatically. The second blaze was also discovered at the projection room which is used to store 7,000 feet of reel, and was destroyed during the blaze. 6,000 feet of both movies, and 1,000 feet of trailers, advertisements, local merchants, and snipes. The projectors and sound systems were also damaged by the fire. The cause of the blast is unknown, but it blew open the fireproof doors.
The Avon Theatre actually opened on August 14, 1936 with Bing Crosby in “Rhythm On The Range” along with an unnamed Traveltalks, an unnamed Happy Harmonies, and a RKO/Pathé Newsreel.
Some information about the theater goes as follows: Lake N. Wilkins, who has been the manager of the nearby Ideal Theatre for many years took the standard role as manager for both theaters. Edwin Pelletier of Woodsville, New Hampshire, was the operator, and Mrs. Murial Burt who was formerly employed at Paramount is the cashier. The doorman will be held by Geni Aspeso of Brattleboro. Lastly, the ushers were Willia Coffee and Roland Abbott, and they will be garbed in coats of blue serge with the Avon name on the left lapel with white trousers and black bow ties. The curtains of the Avon were treated with panels of rock wool, over which are draped of scarlet and gold damask and the same color scheme holds where the other drapes were used. The remainder of the wall under the balcony is treated with Nuwood in a two tone effect. There are no ceiling lights, but the house lighting appears along the sides of the wall in the form of groups of shielded colored bulbs in subdued tones. Spanish balconies flank each side of the stage and red and gold damask drapes were added. The proscenium valance on both colors of the damask are with sateen and the draw curtains are red and gold Lexington brocade, sateen lined. The screen’s size is unnamed but was an extra large daylight silver and seamless. The seating ranges were widely enough, each fully upholstered and are reached along aisles covered with royal cashmere carpets in designs and tones. Seats of the same type were recently installed at the Metropolitan Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. The capacity is a total of 546. Air conditioners are also installed and guaranteed (by Springfield’s Plumbing & Heating Company which also worked on the plumbers, heating specialists, sheet metal work, and oil burner installations) every 3½ minutes by 3 “Airate” ventilating fans of 22,000 cubic foot volume, which extends through the building, foyer, restrooms, office, and others. The foyer is in a design of 4 colors with mirrors and panels and leading off from it are the offices, cashier’s booth, and large ventilated restrooms for both genders. The electrical contractors were Geo H. Abbott and his son’s company of Springfield. The marquee, which was placed in name earlier 3 days prior to its grand opening carried the name of the theatre is large letters bounded by neon lights in 3 colors. The sound equipment is an RCA Protophone system, and there are 2 Simplex machines.
It became the Ellis Theatre on December 17, 1960 with Bing Crosby in “High Time” after the Avon Theatre closed its doors in May 1960 after finding new ownership.
Actually it opened on January 28, 1948.
Opened On April 10, 1946 With “A Thousand And One Nights” Along With An Unnamed Comedy And Newsreel.
Opened on October 26, 1945 With Joseph Cotten in “Love Letters”.
Opened On April 29, 1949 With “Two Guys From Texas” Along With 2 Unnamed Bugs Bunny And Tom And Jerry Cartoons.
Opened On September 5, 1949 With Robert Montgomery In “Once More, My Darling”.
The Fain Theatre is first known as the Plaza Theatre and opened on September 6, 1934 with Charles Bickford in “Little Miss Marker”. It became the Fain Theatre exactly 3 years and 3 days later on September 9, 1937 and reopened with Federick March and Janet Gaynor in the hit-smash “A Star Is Born” along with a Disney cartoon. Information about the theater goes as follows: The theater was named after Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Fain. Located a foot away from the Bibb Graves Bridge, it is easily accessable to both sections of the city. A brick constructed theater with a 13x16 marquee and finished foyer and lobby. The size is 38x120 with a seating capacity of 500 in the first floor for white people and 200 for colored people in the second floor bringing a total of 700. The curtain is iridescent dream cloth with maroon and cream walls and the aisles carpeted. Lighting is arranged along the walls and further softened by vari-colored lights on either side of the tall white lights. The seats were draped in red leather being upholstered luxurious with the best edge springs. They’re spaced 32 inches apart for the further convenience and comfort of patrons, with the standard spacing being 30 inches. Simplex projectors were used in the booth. Red, blue and white lights in front the Neon sign were most attractive, the movable display being in shape of a fan opening and closing. There is a V-shape marquee for the display of current attractions. Inside emergency exits are prepared as well, and heating and cooling plants were also installed.
Opened On June 8, 1937.
It Actually Opened On July 15, 1948 With Bing Crosby, Gary Cooper And Bob Hope In “Variety Girl”.
The Holiday Drive-In opened on April 2, 1953 with Dan Dailey and Diana Lynn in “Meet Me At The Fair” with no selected short subjects.
There was a lot of details about the theater, but I’ll explain the most of it as follows: The Holiday covers a total of 261,360 Sq Ft covering all with limestone gravel, and the concession stand fits a total of 40 people. A space between 19 feet or more between speakers. The entrance back in 1953 was located off of Ohio Avenue, Asheville Highway 19-23, Mohawk Road, and Holiday Drive (or Martins Creek Road), but as on my worth, a map displayed on the Grand Opening advertisement that was more commonly off the Mohawk Road exactly a single block from Martins Creek Road since the enter and exit paths displays were shown. The attraction signs displays were off of Ohio Avenue and 19-23. There are 2 entrance lanes into the box office, where two cashiers take his role, and two other attendants to render service to the patron’s car by cleaning the entire vehicle. There was also a moonlight pole, a total of 85 feet high making the whole area as light as the brightest moonlight night. The screen was erected and constructed by the Golian Steel & Iron Company of Atlanta, Georgia. The screen is nearly 70 feet (840 inches tall) out of steel, and the steel tower is constructed to withstand a wind gale of 135 MPH. There was also a playground surrounded by a low white picked fence in front of the screen. There were swings, see-saws, slides, a merry-go-around, and a climb-a-round (monkey tree) just to name a few. The Salyer Candy Company of Johnson City, Tennessee and the American Popcorn Company of Sioux City, Iowa delivers the food galore at the stand. The projector that was used is a Simplex Z. L. with Execlite projection lamp providing maximum screen illumination, and it projects a distance of 400 feet on a screen over 60 feet square and maintain rock sternness without flicker, jump or blur. This is a magnification of approximately 520,000 times. Incidentally, some of the finest microscopes only 600 times, and the projectors at the Holiday project 1,440 separate pictures upon the screen every minute. The Super Snaplite is what the manager chooses from the market manufactured by the Killmorgan Optical Company in 1952. The Execlite purchased in early 1953 also featured the exclusive Lightronic Automatic Focus controls patented precision reflectors with velvet smooth power produced by a Hertner 25 Horsepower Transverter producing 125 amperes of 29,700 watts, equaling to a total of 297 light globes of 100 watts each. Its projection building with two large steel casement picture windows, asphalt tile floors and interior walls and ceiling decorated in chartreuse all constructed being of fireproof materials is on the second floor of the same building, a point of interest and education which the management planned to open at intervals for public inspection. The concessions building is a patio fo green masonry extending several feet in front of the building on which is placed comfortable metal porch and lawn chairs and tables for the benefit of those patrons who wish to sit on the patio, bite or drink and view the screen performance under a ceiling of fleecy white clouds and stardust. A canopy or overhang under which is installed a speaker system and recessed indirect lightning projects a few feet from the first roof extending the length and width of the building. There are 3 public entrances with double French doors in front and one standard door in each side. The manager’s room is well-equipped office with paneled walls in gumwood and carpeted floors is also on the second floor of the building where he can watch the operations and screen as well. The exterior doors were trimmed in verdas green and the walls are decorated in marine sea-foam with chartreuse, orange and canary trim. The interior walls are in the same buff colored tile in the concession building as the exterior The floor is in varicolored ceramic tile with the design of the letter “H” embedded in the center referring to “Holiday” (or “Hendren”, Hendren is the president of the Crescent Amusement COmpany). The smooth finished plastered ceiling is decorated in a pastel hue of green seaform and chartreuse. For those who prefer a free sip of H2O, a refrigerated water fountain is conveniently located in the lobby with a special attachment for serving children which is one of the multitude of advanced installations in the area. A metal line rail in front of the serving counter extends the length of the room. The serving counter, warmers, attachments, etc, are of stainless steel with the front of the serving counter in Chinese red and snow white baked enamel. The Snack bar is electrically equipped including grill, kitchen facilities, refrigeration, various machines, and dispensers. The kitchen and food preparation room has tiled walls and floor is entered by attendants from back of serving counter and is furnished with their latest equipment including refrigeration, electric grill, broiler, potato peeler, and slicer. The Rabbit Foot Minstrel with its 32-ft reserve show and seat parphnelia trailer from Memphis, Tennessee made a special trip there for its grand opening, including a golden horns sound and a parade car.
The manager of the Holiday is TJ Stansel, beginning in Texas by birth and started in the theatre business as a lobby artist and relief operator in 1922. His early hobby was amateur short wave radio which prepared him for the advent of sound films in 1927. He took advantage of every opportunity to learn the technical details of operation, and later worked as a projectionist. He managed a variety of theaters in both larger and smaller towns and he was the chief engineer for the Kansas-Missouri Enterprises, a chain of 25 theaters, which was under his engineering supervision. He would later move to Florida to become a service engineer for a theatre supply house. He also lived in Chattanooga, Tennessee as a general manager, a circuit of theatres and likewise filled important positions with some larger circuits in the states of Indiana and Alabama. Right when the announcement was heard, he and his son traveled down there to make their residence. The Holiday is owned by Capitol Amusements Incorporated which formerly owned the former Cherokee Amusements Company.
The Liberty Lumber & Manufacturing Company of Erwin have done their contractors and work of the theater. One of the biggest trailer, commercial, and snipe companies of the 1950s also extend their congratulations known as Filmack, and the Motion Picture Advertising Service Incorporated of New Orleans, Louisiana also extends the same way.
Opened On May 27, 1954 With Farley Granger In “Small Town Girl” Along With A Few Shorts Including A Cartoon.
Opened On August 20, 1954 With “On Moonlight Bay” Along With A Cartoon Festival.
Opened On June 15, 1950 With Alan Ladd In “Whispering Smith” Along With An East Side Kids Short (Unnamed) And An Unnamed Cartoon.
The Meadows Drive-In Had A Variety Of Name Changes. It First Opened As “Tegu’s Drive-In” On May 9, 1953 With Richard Widmark In “My Pal Gus” And The Bowery Boys In “Hold That Line”. It Became The “Woodsville Drive-In” In 1962, And The Meadows Drive-In By The 1970s Or 1980s.