The Arlington Theatre launched with two sold out shows for Interstate Theatre Circuit on February 10, 1950 with “The Story of Seabiscuit.” Mayor B.C. Barnes cut a ceremonial ribbon and the Flying Ranchboys and Durrelle Alexander preformed live on stage prior to the film. Interstate moved on from the Arlington on August 29, 1974 after Walt Disney’s “Absent Minded Professor.” It then became a church before being used for live concerts first by Johnny High’s Country Review beginning in 1995 as the Arlington Music Hall.
The Arlington Theatre launched with two sold out shows for Interstate Theatre Circuit on February 10, 1950 with “The Story of Seabiscuit.” Mayor B.C. Barnes cut a ceremonial ribbon and the Flying Ranchboys and Durrelle Alexander preformed live on stage prior to the film. Became a church before turning to live events.
Robert R. Booth had a group of small-town silent theaters in the late 1910s. Auburn was home to theaters including the Booth, the Bennett Theatre run by Ole Bennett, the Rex/former Opera House, and the Auburn. The Auburn and Booth made it into the sound era with the others not making the transition.
On July 3, 1929, Robert Booth moved the Booth to its new and current location with a grand reopening as the New Booth Theatre. Wes W. Booth took over the theater in 1934. It had been renamed the Booth Theatre.
On June 24, 1939, the Booth Brothers sold three of their venues (Booth Theaters in Auburn and Nebraska City and Paramount in Nebraska City) to the Griffith Theatre Circuit took over the location, the gave the Booth Theatre a streamline moderne makeover complete with a blue porcelain sign with neon tubing spelling, “State.” That was the theater’s new name as of January 1, 1941. The Auburn Theatre was also purchased by the Griffith Circuit and appears to have continued operating into the late 1950s.
The State Theatre made the conversion to digital after some community support and was still in operation in the 2020s after 90 years in the same location.
Canton’s Gem Theatre launched January 14, 1910 with motion pictures and 150 folding chairs by William Halloway. Art Goetz and Frank F. Page took on the Gem in December closing for the installation of permanent seating at its relaunch on January 25, 1911. Shows consisted of three one-reel film shorts, live music and other entertainment. Business was brisk and the pair moved to the 106 North 4th location in July 1912. S.R. Staples Hardware took over the original Gem location soon thereafter.
At its new location, the Gem was branded as “the place where you see the pick of the pictures” in 1912. The 1912 film, “From the Manger to the Cross” became the first three-reel feature shown in Canton. Longer silent films became the norm at the venue. Goetz and Page converted the Gem to a more modern theater with sound and sloped floor in May of 1930 by tearing out the rear wall of the theatre. It relaunched June 11, 1930 as the “home of talking pictures” with the Bebe Daniels film, “Rio Rita” supported by the Oswald, the Rabbit, cartoon, “Chile Con Carmon.” Goetz and Page sold the Gem in 1932.
John Louis Collins of the Collins Theatre Circuit took over the theatre in late October 1932 closing it for a major update. It relaunched November 3, 1932 as the New Gem Theater – a name it retained until closure. Playing was “The Night of June 13” supported by a Betty Boop cartoon, a “Hollywood Parade” short and “The Unemployed Ghost” with Tom Howard.
The New Gem received a new RCA sound system and another relaunch on July 20, 1933. Collins Theatres then purchased the former Miller-Starr Opera House which had been home to various businesses between 1922 and 1937 after its days as an opera house. In 1937, the opera house was essentially razed keeping little of the original opera house which had been retrofitted for the various retail ventures. It reopened with its new deco front and interior designed for motion pictures. Collins turned the managerial job over to Raymond McBrayer in October of 1937, He closed the New Gem Theatre on November 9, 1937 with “Manhattan Melodrama.” McBrayer then launched the Canton Theater three nights later for the Collins Circuit in the same address as the opera house on November 12, 1937.
This theatre should be referred to as the New Gem Theater formerly known as the Gem Theater.
The Miller-Starr Opera House launched December 4, 1893 with the live play, “Two Old Cronies.” A.J. Miller was on hand with Captain N.D. Starr. Live theater gave way to motion pictures in 1917 competing with the Gem Theater. The Gem won the battle and the old opera house was used for sporadic live local events. It closed in 1922 becoming home to a jewelry store followed by a number of other businesses including Harry’s Tavern and Wood’s Tire Shop.
John Louis Collins of the Collins Theatre Circuit acquired both the New Gem Theater in 1932 and, later, the former Opera House in downtown Canton. Collins virtually razed the opera house which had been altered many times for a variety of businesses. Collins Theatres created a new-look, deco venue built in 1937 designed for sound motion pictures.
Collins turned the managerial reins over to Raymond McBrayer in October of 1937. He finished the project and closed the long-running New Gem Theatre after just over 25 years on November 9, 1937 with “Manhattan Melodrama.” McBrayer would launch the Canton Theater for Collins Circuit three nights later in the former opera house location on November 12, 1937 with Bing Crosby and Martha Raye in “Double or Nothing” supported by shorts including Eddie Peabody in “Hula Heaven” and a Mickey Mouse cartoon.
I goofed from my notes: the second ‘graph should read:
Edwin Silvert expanded the operation during the War in March of 1917 becoming a 460-seat operation likely on a renewed 10-year lease. He then built the Broad Street Theater nearby where the two theaters co-existed. He sold the theaters to the Austin Theatre Circuit which converted it to sound. However, they relinquished the theater in 1931. George C. Meeser assumed the remaining term of the 30-year lease.
The Woodland Mall was built in 1986/7 on the city’s Northside. The Mall’s grand opening was May 15, 1987 and the Woodland Mall Cinema 5 launched within a week on May 20, 1987 with three of its five screens operating. It featured, “Ishtar,” Beverly Hills Cop II,“ and “Blind Date.” “American Ninja II” launched screen IV two days later. The city and its college students were delighted to have an option in addition to the downtown, single-screen Cla-Zel Theatre.
In November of 1989, Cinemark took on the five screen location. As leases expired and retail conditions deteriorated, the Woodland Mall shedded stores and anchors spiraling into greyfield status, a term akin to a “dead mall.” But Cinemark just kept on going continuously until March 17, 2020 when the Woodland Mall Cinema was closed along with theaters around the globe due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On July 16, 2020, Cinemark made the closure permanent as the Woodland Mall 5 became one of many theaters closed permanently during the pandemic. Cinemark wrote:
“Cinemark hereby informs you that as the date of this letter we will be vacating the premises and returning possession of the premises to Landlord. Cinemark does not make this decision lightly, but given the unprecedented and tragic circumstances, Cinemark has made this difficult decision. As you are aware, Cinemark faced a particularly acute challenge stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak due to the various local, State and Federal mandates specifically requiring the closure of public motion pictures. While such mandates were wise and prudent given the situation, it unfortunately resulted in economic hardships for Cinemark that ultimately led to this decision. Cinemark has enjoyed serving this community over the years and appreciates the Landlord’s efforts in connection with the Woodland Mall.”
March 31, 1942 Bicycle Preview at the former Winter Garden Theatre turned Plaza Theatre “#1” in downtown Picher. As the newspaper ad said, “Free Bicycle to someone.”
On March 17, 2020, AMC closed its Classic Hickory Creek 16 along with all other theatres in its chain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the lease coming due, AMC announced that the closure was permanent on July 16, 2020. It was one of many theatres closed permanently during the pandemic.
The Humphries Bros. (John and H.N.) launched the New Royal Theatre opened on March 20, 1920 with motion pictures beginning with Blanche Sweet in “Fighting Cressy.” It was located on the town’s former Main Street (later known as Connell Street and Highway 69). After two ownership changes in a year and a half, new operator, J.W. Cotter – formerly of the Picher Theatre – took on the venue in November of 1921 closing it for a refresh. It re-emerged as the new Gayety Theatre launching on January 1, 1922 switching its format to full time vaudeville. In 1923, the theatre switched back to a policy of mostly motion pictures getting the Paramount contract and its fifth operator. The theatre found a sixth operator in 1928 but the Gayety closed as a silent operation in 1929.
Carl Gordon took on the venue giving it a Western Electric sound system and relaunching on April 30, 1932 as the new Roxy Theatre. The town’s fortunes largely rested on the Eagle-Picher Mining and Smelting Company. Unfortunately, a mine shutdown led to economic hardship. Video Independent Theatres, which had taken on the location, closed the Roxy in July of 1949. That left the theatre with the much larger Plaza Theatre (former Mystic Theatre) as its only theatre.
When the Plaza was closed as part of the condemnation zone identified in February of 1950 as the city feared a major cave-in at the mine, there was some consideration of moving the Plaza to the former Roxy. However, that was quickly dismissed as the Roxy, too, was within the condemnation area. The Plaza would find a new home a block away on the opposite side of the street later in 1950. Plaza #2 would join Plaza #1 in burning down while the Roxy was torn down due to the potential of a cave-in.
The Doctor McWilliams Opera House was built in 1892. In 1902, The venue lost the “Doctor” within two years becoming the McWilliams Opera House. It began mixing in motion pictures sporadically beginning in 1906. Dr. W.L. Williams sold the venue in 1908 to W.B. Schumucker. The venue housed city government until 1918. It was converted to a long running Rexall Drug Store prior to its demolition. It was at 2 South Main Street.
The Mystic Theatre launched on March 10, 1918 by J.D. Wineland and managed by C.A. Gordon at 112 East Second as Picher had become a boom mining town. It was said to have completely replaced the Electric Theatre building but – based on little evidence – it was likely opened using some element of the existing Electric Theatre. The Mystic closed within a year and was expanded and became an entirely new Mystic Theatre now with 920 seats based on an article that says that patrons were wowed by the New Mystic at a grand opening on September 18, 1919.
Consolidated Theatres purchased the venue in December of 1945 which also operated the Plaza and the Roxy. It closed the Mystic for a refresh on December 23, 1945 and reopening it in January of 1946. On January 28, 1946, Plaza Theatre “#1” burned down so consolidated decided to move the Plaza nameplate to the larger, Mystic Theatre beginning with shows on February 10, 1946.
Video Independent Theaters reduced the town to just one theatre closing the Roxy in July of 1949 as the town’s economy was in decline. Unfortunately, the Plaza “#2”/former Mystic and the former Roxy were in the condemnation zone as the city feared a major cave-in at the Eagle-Picher Mining and Smelting Company. So the Plaza was closed for the final time prior to shows on February 8, 1950 making February 7, 1950 its final day of operation.
Video Independent fashioned a new theatre gutting an existing building one block east of the former Plaza. But during that construction, the second and vacant Plaza Theatre/former Mystic Theatre also burned down on June 22, 1950.
The third and final Plaza Theatre location in downtown Picher opened on July 12, 1950 although going out of business just over five years later in 1955. This entry should remain the Mystic Theatre to avoid confusion and because it was known as the Mystic for 30 years.
The Winter Garden Hall turned Winter Garden Theatre had been advertising at least from 1919 at 116 East Second Street. The former Winter Garden Theatre relaunched with new operators from Tulsa as the first of three buildings to house a Plaza Theatre. Plaza Theatre #1 opened on August 11, 1933 with the Marx Brothers in “Horse Feathers.” The Plaza Theatre burned down on January 27, 1946 in a fire that originated at the Brass Rail Taproom and took out the Plaza and three other businesses. (It could have a separate entry with that history if one wanted to be technical.)
The operator moved the Plaza nameplate to the Mystic Theatre at 112 East Second Street in Picher beginning with shows on February 10, 1946. It has its own entry. Video Independent Theaters reduced the town to just one theatre closing the Roxy in July of 1949 as the town’s economy was in decline. Unfortunately, the Plaza and the former Roxy were in the condemnation zone as the city feared a major cave-in at the Eagle-Picher Mining and Smelting Company.
This entry would be for Plaza Theatre “#3.” The final Plaza was created when Video Independent fashioned a new theatre gutting an existing building one block east of the former Plaza. But during that construction, the second and vacant Plaza Theatre/former Mystic Theatre also burned down on June 22, 1950.
The third and final Plaza Theatre location in downtown Picher opened on July 12, 1950 with “My Friend Irma Goes West” featuring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis and supported by a sports reel and cartoon. The operators stressed that this was a “new and safe area” away from the condemned part of the city. The building used cement fortification to try to avoid burning down a third time. And it achieved that goal although going out of business just over five years later in 1955.
However, “safe area” would prove to be a misnomer as the entire city of Picher was deemed too toxic to continue. The building as well as virtually every other building in town was razed when the town disbanded early in the 21st Century.
The Mystic Theatre launched on March 10, 1918 by J.D. Wineland and managed by C.A. Gordon. Based on little, it was likely opened temporarily in the location of the former Electric Theatre on South Columbus Street while the larger Mystic Theatre was being constructed. The Mystic likely moved to its new and expanded location at 12 East Second Street with 920 seats based on an article that says that patrons were wowed by the New Mystic at a grand opening on September 18, 1919. However, it may be the same building with a massive overhaul that simply still wowed its patrons.
Consolidated Theatres purchased the venue in December of 1945 which also operated the Plaza and the Roxy. It closed the Mystic for a refresh on December 23, 1945 and reopening it in January of 1946. On January 28, 1946, Plaza Theatre “#1” burned down so consolidated decided to move the Plaza nameplate to the larger, Mystic Theatre beginning with shows on February 10, 1946.
Video Independent Theaters reduced the town to just one theatre closing the Roxy in July of 1949 as the town’s economy was in decline. Unfortunately, the Plaza “#2”/former Mystic and the former Roxy were in the condemnation zone as the city feared a major cave-in at the Eagle-Picher Mining and Smelting Company. So the Plaza was closed for the final time prior to shows on February 8, 1950 making February 7, 1950 its final day of operation.
Video Independent fashioned a new theatre gutting an existing building one block east of the former Plaza. But during that construction, the second and vacant Plaza Theatre/former Mystic Theatre also burned down on June 22, 1950.
The third and final Plaza Theatre location in downtown Picher opened on July 12, 1950 although going out of business just over five years later in 1955. This entry should remain the Mystic Theatre to avoid confusion and because it was known as the Mystic for 30 years.
The Sooner Drive-In was damaged in a rain storm and appears to have been closed following the June 12, 1954 showing of Richard Widmark in “Take the High Ground!” An ad lists the theatre as closed indefinitely until the screen and the ramps can be repaired. Those repairs do not appear to have occurred and the sign was moved a decade later to the Tri-State location.
On March 11, 1955, the Tri-State converted its tower to widescreen to accommodate CinemaScope films beginning that night with Robert Mitchum and Marilyn Monroe in “River of No Return.”
G.D. Hall launched his Dreamland Theatre here on September 3, 1913. It was renamed under new operators as the Grand Theatre on November 24, 1914. It was then renamed as the Ottawa Theatre on April 5, 1945 with Bing Crosby in “Goin' My Way.” The Ottawa closed August 6, 1955 with a double feature of “Gangbusters” and “Gun Fury.” In 1956, the theatre closed and Video Independent Circuit the seats were offered for sale.
The Glory B Theatre launched on October 10, 1917 with motion pictures. It closed in 1952 and reopened with a refresh as the Miami Theatre in 1953 and converted to widescreen. Video Independent Theatres closed the the theatre on April 30, 1961 after showing “Gone With the Wind.” The theatre was vacant thereafter and was reportedly razed in 1966 as part of an urban renewal project.
The Tilgham 8 cinema closed on March 18, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic along with theatres all over the world. Though hoping to reopen and connecting with its audience through social media into July of 2020, the theatre was closed permanently on July 13, 2020 when New Visions Circuit went out of business. All of its other locations were closed permanently, as well.
The Central Mall 12 closed on March 19, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic along with theatres all over the world. Though hoping to reopen and connecting with its audience through social media into July of 2020, the theatre was closed permanently on July 13, 2020 when New Visions Circuit went out of business. All of its other locations were closed permanently, as well.
The Arlington Theatre launched with two sold out shows for Interstate Theatre Circuit on February 10, 1950 with “The Story of Seabiscuit.” Mayor B.C. Barnes cut a ceremonial ribbon and the Flying Ranchboys and Durrelle Alexander preformed live on stage prior to the film. Interstate moved on from the Arlington on August 29, 1974 after Walt Disney’s “Absent Minded Professor.” It then became a church before being used for live concerts first by Johnny High’s Country Review beginning in 1995 as the Arlington Music Hall.
The Arlington Theatre launched with two sold out shows for Interstate Theatre Circuit on February 10, 1950 with “The Story of Seabiscuit.” Mayor B.C. Barnes cut a ceremonial ribbon and the Flying Ranchboys and Durrelle Alexander preformed live on stage prior to the film. Became a church before turning to live events.
A larger video store appeared in Burleson and the video library either discontinued advertising or likely closed prior to the cinema’s closure.
Robert R. Booth had a group of small-town silent theaters in the late 1910s. Auburn was home to theaters including the Booth, the Bennett Theatre run by Ole Bennett, the Rex/former Opera House, and the Auburn. The Auburn and Booth made it into the sound era with the others not making the transition.
On July 3, 1929, Robert Booth moved the Booth to its new and current location with a grand reopening as the New Booth Theatre. Wes W. Booth took over the theater in 1934. It had been renamed the Booth Theatre.
On June 24, 1939, the Booth Brothers sold three of their venues (Booth Theaters in Auburn and Nebraska City and Paramount in Nebraska City) to the Griffith Theatre Circuit took over the location, the gave the Booth Theatre a streamline moderne makeover complete with a blue porcelain sign with neon tubing spelling, “State.” That was the theater’s new name as of January 1, 1941. The Auburn Theatre was also purchased by the Griffith Circuit and appears to have continued operating into the late 1950s.
The State Theatre made the conversion to digital after some community support and was still in operation in the 2020s after 90 years in the same location.
Correction: It closed in 1990
Canton’s Gem Theatre launched January 14, 1910 with motion pictures and 150 folding chairs by William Halloway. Art Goetz and Frank F. Page took on the Gem in December closing for the installation of permanent seating at its relaunch on January 25, 1911. Shows consisted of three one-reel film shorts, live music and other entertainment. Business was brisk and the pair moved to the 106 North 4th location in July 1912. S.R. Staples Hardware took over the original Gem location soon thereafter.
At its new location, the Gem was branded as “the place where you see the pick of the pictures” in 1912. The 1912 film, “From the Manger to the Cross” became the first three-reel feature shown in Canton. Longer silent films became the norm at the venue. Goetz and Page converted the Gem to a more modern theater with sound and sloped floor in May of 1930 by tearing out the rear wall of the theatre. It relaunched June 11, 1930 as the “home of talking pictures” with the Bebe Daniels film, “Rio Rita” supported by the Oswald, the Rabbit, cartoon, “Chile Con Carmon.” Goetz and Page sold the Gem in 1932.
John Louis Collins of the Collins Theatre Circuit took over the theatre in late October 1932 closing it for a major update. It relaunched November 3, 1932 as the New Gem Theater – a name it retained until closure. Playing was “The Night of June 13” supported by a Betty Boop cartoon, a “Hollywood Parade” short and “The Unemployed Ghost” with Tom Howard.
The New Gem received a new RCA sound system and another relaunch on July 20, 1933. Collins Theatres then purchased the former Miller-Starr Opera House which had been home to various businesses between 1922 and 1937 after its days as an opera house. In 1937, the opera house was essentially razed keeping little of the original opera house which had been retrofitted for the various retail ventures. It reopened with its new deco front and interior designed for motion pictures. Collins turned the managerial job over to Raymond McBrayer in October of 1937, He closed the New Gem Theatre on November 9, 1937 with “Manhattan Melodrama.” McBrayer then launched the Canton Theater three nights later for the Collins Circuit in the same address as the opera house on November 12, 1937.
This theatre should be referred to as the New Gem Theater formerly known as the Gem Theater.
The Miller-Starr Opera House launched December 4, 1893 with the live play, “Two Old Cronies.” A.J. Miller was on hand with Captain N.D. Starr. Live theater gave way to motion pictures in 1917 competing with the Gem Theater. The Gem won the battle and the old opera house was used for sporadic live local events. It closed in 1922 becoming home to a jewelry store followed by a number of other businesses including Harry’s Tavern and Wood’s Tire Shop.
John Louis Collins of the Collins Theatre Circuit acquired both the New Gem Theater in 1932 and, later, the former Opera House in downtown Canton. Collins virtually razed the opera house which had been altered many times for a variety of businesses. Collins Theatres created a new-look, deco venue built in 1937 designed for sound motion pictures.
Collins turned the managerial reins over to Raymond McBrayer in October of 1937. He finished the project and closed the long-running New Gem Theatre after just over 25 years on November 9, 1937 with “Manhattan Melodrama.” McBrayer would launch the Canton Theater for Collins Circuit three nights later in the former opera house location on November 12, 1937 with Bing Crosby and Martha Raye in “Double or Nothing” supported by shorts including Eddie Peabody in “Hula Heaven” and a Mickey Mouse cartoon.
I goofed from my notes: the second ‘graph should read:
Edwin Silvert expanded the operation during the War in March of 1917 becoming a 460-seat operation likely on a renewed 10-year lease. He then built the Broad Street Theater nearby where the two theaters co-existed. He sold the theaters to the Austin Theatre Circuit which converted it to sound. However, they relinquished the theater in 1931. George C. Meeser assumed the remaining term of the 30-year lease.
Sorry and thanks!
The Woodland Mall was built in 1986/7 on the city’s Northside. The Mall’s grand opening was May 15, 1987 and the Woodland Mall Cinema 5 launched within a week on May 20, 1987 with three of its five screens operating. It featured, “Ishtar,” Beverly Hills Cop II,“ and “Blind Date.” “American Ninja II” launched screen IV two days later. The city and its college students were delighted to have an option in addition to the downtown, single-screen Cla-Zel Theatre.
In November of 1989, Cinemark took on the five screen location. As leases expired and retail conditions deteriorated, the Woodland Mall shedded stores and anchors spiraling into greyfield status, a term akin to a “dead mall.” But Cinemark just kept on going continuously until March 17, 2020 when the Woodland Mall Cinema was closed along with theaters around the globe due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On July 16, 2020, Cinemark made the closure permanent as the Woodland Mall 5 became one of many theaters closed permanently during the pandemic. Cinemark wrote:
“Cinemark hereby informs you that as the date of this letter we will be vacating the premises and returning possession of the premises to Landlord. Cinemark does not make this decision lightly, but given the unprecedented and tragic circumstances, Cinemark has made this difficult decision. As you are aware, Cinemark faced a particularly acute challenge stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak due to the various local, State and Federal mandates specifically requiring the closure of public motion pictures. While such mandates were wise and prudent given the situation, it unfortunately resulted in economic hardships for Cinemark that ultimately led to this decision. Cinemark has enjoyed serving this community over the years and appreciates the Landlord’s efforts in connection with the Woodland Mall.”
March 31, 1942 Bicycle Preview at the former Winter Garden Theatre turned Plaza Theatre “#1” in downtown Picher. As the newspaper ad said, “Free Bicycle to someone.”
That’s Plaza Theatre “#3” in its final location.
Not surprisingly, it was closed at by AMC as its lease was reaching expiry in 2020.
On March 17, 2020, AMC closed its Classic Hickory Creek 16 along with all other theatres in its chain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the lease coming due, AMC announced that the closure was permanent on July 16, 2020. It was one of many theatres closed permanently during the pandemic.
The Humphries Bros. (John and H.N.) launched the New Royal Theatre opened on March 20, 1920 with motion pictures beginning with Blanche Sweet in “Fighting Cressy.” It was located on the town’s former Main Street (later known as Connell Street and Highway 69). After two ownership changes in a year and a half, new operator, J.W. Cotter – formerly of the Picher Theatre – took on the venue in November of 1921 closing it for a refresh. It re-emerged as the new Gayety Theatre launching on January 1, 1922 switching its format to full time vaudeville. In 1923, the theatre switched back to a policy of mostly motion pictures getting the Paramount contract and its fifth operator. The theatre found a sixth operator in 1928 but the Gayety closed as a silent operation in 1929.
Carl Gordon took on the venue giving it a Western Electric sound system and relaunching on April 30, 1932 as the new Roxy Theatre. The town’s fortunes largely rested on the Eagle-Picher Mining and Smelting Company. Unfortunately, a mine shutdown led to economic hardship. Video Independent Theatres, which had taken on the location, closed the Roxy in July of 1949. That left the theatre with the much larger Plaza Theatre (former Mystic Theatre) as its only theatre.
When the Plaza was closed as part of the condemnation zone identified in February of 1950 as the city feared a major cave-in at the mine, there was some consideration of moving the Plaza to the former Roxy. However, that was quickly dismissed as the Roxy, too, was within the condemnation area. The Plaza would find a new home a block away on the opposite side of the street later in 1950. Plaza #2 would join Plaza #1 in burning down while the Roxy was torn down due to the potential of a cave-in.
The Doctor McWilliams Opera House was built in 1892. In 1902, The venue lost the “Doctor” within two years becoming the McWilliams Opera House. It began mixing in motion pictures sporadically beginning in 1906. Dr. W.L. Williams sold the venue in 1908 to W.B. Schumucker. The venue housed city government until 1918. It was converted to a long running Rexall Drug Store prior to its demolition. It was at 2 South Main Street.
The Mystic Theatre launched on March 10, 1918 by J.D. Wineland and managed by C.A. Gordon at 112 East Second as Picher had become a boom mining town. It was said to have completely replaced the Electric Theatre building but – based on little evidence – it was likely opened using some element of the existing Electric Theatre. The Mystic closed within a year and was expanded and became an entirely new Mystic Theatre now with 920 seats based on an article that says that patrons were wowed by the New Mystic at a grand opening on September 18, 1919.
Consolidated Theatres purchased the venue in December of 1945 which also operated the Plaza and the Roxy. It closed the Mystic for a refresh on December 23, 1945 and reopening it in January of 1946. On January 28, 1946, Plaza Theatre “#1” burned down so consolidated decided to move the Plaza nameplate to the larger, Mystic Theatre beginning with shows on February 10, 1946.
Video Independent Theaters reduced the town to just one theatre closing the Roxy in July of 1949 as the town’s economy was in decline. Unfortunately, the Plaza “#2”/former Mystic and the former Roxy were in the condemnation zone as the city feared a major cave-in at the Eagle-Picher Mining and Smelting Company. So the Plaza was closed for the final time prior to shows on February 8, 1950 making February 7, 1950 its final day of operation.
Video Independent fashioned a new theatre gutting an existing building one block east of the former Plaza. But during that construction, the second and vacant Plaza Theatre/former Mystic Theatre also burned down on June 22, 1950.
The third and final Plaza Theatre location in downtown Picher opened on July 12, 1950 although going out of business just over five years later in 1955. This entry should remain the Mystic Theatre to avoid confusion and because it was known as the Mystic for 30 years.
The trade press reports that the Electric Theatre was razed and the new Mystic Theatre was built on its spot.
The Winter Garden Hall turned Winter Garden Theatre had been advertising at least from 1919 at 116 East Second Street. The former Winter Garden Theatre relaunched with new operators from Tulsa as the first of three buildings to house a Plaza Theatre. Plaza Theatre #1 opened on August 11, 1933 with the Marx Brothers in “Horse Feathers.” The Plaza Theatre burned down on January 27, 1946 in a fire that originated at the Brass Rail Taproom and took out the Plaza and three other businesses. (It could have a separate entry with that history if one wanted to be technical.)
The operator moved the Plaza nameplate to the Mystic Theatre at 112 East Second Street in Picher beginning with shows on February 10, 1946. It has its own entry. Video Independent Theaters reduced the town to just one theatre closing the Roxy in July of 1949 as the town’s economy was in decline. Unfortunately, the Plaza and the former Roxy were in the condemnation zone as the city feared a major cave-in at the Eagle-Picher Mining and Smelting Company.
This entry would be for Plaza Theatre “#3.” The final Plaza was created when Video Independent fashioned a new theatre gutting an existing building one block east of the former Plaza. But during that construction, the second and vacant Plaza Theatre/former Mystic Theatre also burned down on June 22, 1950.
The third and final Plaza Theatre location in downtown Picher opened on July 12, 1950 with “My Friend Irma Goes West” featuring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis and supported by a sports reel and cartoon. The operators stressed that this was a “new and safe area” away from the condemned part of the city. The building used cement fortification to try to avoid burning down a third time. And it achieved that goal although going out of business just over five years later in 1955.
However, “safe area” would prove to be a misnomer as the entire city of Picher was deemed too toxic to continue. The building as well as virtually every other building in town was razed when the town disbanded early in the 21st Century.
The Mystic Theatre launched on March 10, 1918 by J.D. Wineland and managed by C.A. Gordon. Based on little, it was likely opened temporarily in the location of the former Electric Theatre on South Columbus Street while the larger Mystic Theatre was being constructed. The Mystic likely moved to its new and expanded location at 12 East Second Street with 920 seats based on an article that says that patrons were wowed by the New Mystic at a grand opening on September 18, 1919. However, it may be the same building with a massive overhaul that simply still wowed its patrons.
Consolidated Theatres purchased the venue in December of 1945 which also operated the Plaza and the Roxy. It closed the Mystic for a refresh on December 23, 1945 and reopening it in January of 1946. On January 28, 1946, Plaza Theatre “#1” burned down so consolidated decided to move the Plaza nameplate to the larger, Mystic Theatre beginning with shows on February 10, 1946.
Video Independent Theaters reduced the town to just one theatre closing the Roxy in July of 1949 as the town’s economy was in decline. Unfortunately, the Plaza “#2”/former Mystic and the former Roxy were in the condemnation zone as the city feared a major cave-in at the Eagle-Picher Mining and Smelting Company. So the Plaza was closed for the final time prior to shows on February 8, 1950 making February 7, 1950 its final day of operation.
Video Independent fashioned a new theatre gutting an existing building one block east of the former Plaza. But during that construction, the second and vacant Plaza Theatre/former Mystic Theatre also burned down on June 22, 1950.
The third and final Plaza Theatre location in downtown Picher opened on July 12, 1950 although going out of business just over five years later in 1955. This entry should remain the Mystic Theatre to avoid confusion and because it was known as the Mystic for 30 years.
The Sooner Drive-In was damaged in a rain storm and appears to have been closed following the June 12, 1954 showing of Richard Widmark in “Take the High Ground!” An ad lists the theatre as closed indefinitely until the screen and the ramps can be repaired. Those repairs do not appear to have occurred and the sign was moved a decade later to the Tri-State location.
On March 11, 1955, the Tri-State converted its tower to widescreen to accommodate CinemaScope films beginning that night with Robert Mitchum and Marilyn Monroe in “River of No Return.”
G.D. Hall launched his Dreamland Theatre here on September 3, 1913. It was renamed under new operators as the Grand Theatre on November 24, 1914. It was then renamed as the Ottawa Theatre on April 5, 1945 with Bing Crosby in “Goin' My Way.” The Ottawa closed August 6, 1955 with a double feature of “Gangbusters” and “Gun Fury.” In 1956, the theatre closed and Video Independent Circuit the seats were offered for sale.
The Glory B Theatre launched on October 10, 1917 with motion pictures. It closed in 1952 and reopened with a refresh as the Miami Theatre in 1953 and converted to widescreen. Video Independent Theatres closed the the theatre on April 30, 1961 after showing “Gone With the Wind.” The theatre was vacant thereafter and was reportedly razed in 1966 as part of an urban renewal project.
The Tilgham 8 cinema closed on March 18, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic along with theatres all over the world. Though hoping to reopen and connecting with its audience through social media into July of 2020, the theatre was closed permanently on July 13, 2020 when New Visions Circuit went out of business. All of its other locations were closed permanently, as well.
The Central Mall 12 closed on March 19, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic along with theatres all over the world. Though hoping to reopen and connecting with its audience through social media into July of 2020, the theatre was closed permanently on July 13, 2020 when New Visions Circuit went out of business. All of its other locations were closed permanently, as well.