25th Street Theatre

I first visited Waco in 1994 and have returned to visit friends here many times since. I never knew the 25th Street Theatre as an operational establishment However, I do remember the first time I saw it. I’m a dedicated follower of Art Deco and love old movie theatres, both here and at home in England. The first time I saw the 25th I got my friends to pull over so I could take pictures. I drove by again today and took more. The theatre is a stunning building and it was both exciting and sad to see her again. I really hope someone saves her from the wreckers! She’s a beautiful reminder of a time when people actually put thought into design.
I know it was originally a movie theater then a night club but it would be great to see the theatre restored as a community theatre for youth productions and local functions thought I don’t know what the inside is like and if it’s suitable? Just a thought.
There is a photo I took today on my MySpace Texas 2007 photo album. View link
Good luck saving the theatre! If there’s anything I can do to help let me know!
Richard

Hello Everyone,

At last I found the article that Baylor Journalism student Bryan Smith interviewed me and several others for back in April. He was unsure if any of the information from the interviews would make it into the Baylor newspaper……..Luckily it was.
After reading over the article I did run across a few minor discretions: the address was 1006 N. 25th; construction began in 1944, completing in fall 1945; it reopened Labor Day Weekend, probably on a Thursday (the club operated Thurs-Sat 9pm-???); “The 25th Dimension” actually aired on KCEN-6 (originally on KWKT-44), every Sunday/Monday at 12:30am. But these minor details don’t matter considering the only people who would know that are anal retentive historians like myself. LOL !!!
Anyone thats read the cinematreasures.org/theater/4180 posting that I started is well aware of the ongoing effort involving the Theatre. The building being slated for demolition, and the legal issues still in limbo concerning Richard Olsens estate, is still an ongoing process, that myself and many others are patiently awaiting the outcome. To the best of my knowledge, the process is moving in the direction many of us want. I am not at liberty to offer any other information, at this time.
I would personally like to thank Mr. Bryan Smith for the very well structured and informative article he contributed to the Baylor Lariat. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!

Thanks for continuing to follow, and STAY TUNED!!!

Jake Vanek

Wow! I cannot belive I stumbled onto this great site and comments page. I am an alumni of OL & 25th Street. Some of my fondest memories are of the theater. I currently live in LA, but I have visited a couple of times in the last few years. I hope to one day return to a remodeled 25th street and relive my youth. Time really flies.

Yes I am still monitoring this board, though not as much as I would like. The condition of the building is still bad, but NOT unfixable….most of the damage is just that the water has taken its toll on the stucco and the Mural that covered the south wall…….The process to get the old girl back to former glory has been slow but is progressing. The legal issues that have plagued it since Richard Olsens death are still being resolved, but have made some headway in recent months. I did manage to locate a photo of the theatre that was taken in June of 1990, the theatre is in great condition at the time….email me and I will send you a jpeg of it. Keep checking back here as I am sure alot/most of you are.
Thanks for being patient as we are all being patient in the Rebirth Of 25th Street!!!

Jake Vanek

Oops!! Here is the uncredited night time photo of the 25th Street.

www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/362153330

I would really love to do an article about the 25th St. Theatre. If anyone has any Historical information, personal anecdotes, or anything else that would be useful it would be greatly appreciated. To contact me please email me at

I think it is a shame that this beautiful building has been ignored and allowed to deteriorate as bad as it has. I look forward to hearing from anyone who wants to help.

Thanks,
bryan smith

Uncredited night time photo of the 25TH STREET THEATER.

www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/362138857

Folks here is a picture I found online of the Theatre in 1990, June to be exact.

View link

The MCC exhibit will be up until Dec. 5. It can be seen through the windows and is well lighted.
About 30 paintings are on display. Ellen Foster, 756-0347.

Save the club! I am the last voice you will ever hear. Dont be alarmed! Tell Rob Bob to get off of his isolated new life and break the silence and say hello. I hope the new hurricanes do not hit him.

Matt

WOW! Can’t believe it’s been 13yrs since I last stepped foot inside the 25th St Theatre! Amazing how time has flown! All the memories and fun I had there with all the wonderful people and several friends I made who always welcomed me with acceptance! Every Saturday I could be found there at 25th just dancin the night away under the awesome light show and dance tunes. Several of you might remember me as I hung around a couple of girls who were regulars there. They dressed similarly as I followed suit in the traditional gothic style of black attire and black bob hairstyle. Their names were Spyder and Paisley. I wasn’t as popular as they were but managed to befriend them somehow…and make friends with other popular folks. I think one of the only things that separated me from lots of people in there was the fact I didn’t engage in specific scrupulous activities which I am thankful for! Other than that, I participated in local sofa conversations in the girls restroom area often. Then usually, I’d hear one of my favorite songs come on like “Dance to the Beat” or “Holy Noise”…I’d be up in a flash and tear across the room just to find my way to the checkered dance floor as happy as pig in slop! And my apologies for anybody who got shoved in my path as I ripped through people like a tornado. Of course once in awhile, I’d find an empty pool table (usually at the back)if the dance floor was too crowded and make my own room on it! Sometimes I had a friend join me. Some of you might remember a certain guy who was a Saturday regular there and a good friend of mine. His name was Jon Tremont…worked for (what was)Cablevision. He used to park his red Pontiac Trans-Am around the back of the theatre next to the curb in the street (on MC’s side of 25th building). OH, can’t forget about the sweet orange cat that graced the ticket booth area with his presence where Big Richard sat to take admission. He knew how to greet everybody by putting a smile on our faces. On occasion, he’d prance around the front bar area letting us all know that animals enjoy clubbin too! Although I was underage at the time (age 16 to be exact)I went to 25th, Big Richard was kind enough to allow me entrance inside so I could enjoy myself and have a blast! There was NEVER a dull moment from the first time I stepped foot into the club to the last night I went. I’ll never forget the many pairs of shoes I wore holes in dancing under Mousey’s light show and dance tunes producing enough sweat to flood the whole entire theatre! Thanks Little Richard for all the cherished memories you helped me create. You will NEVER EVER be forgotten and your legacy will live on! If anybody would be interested in contacting me, please feel free to do so. My e-mail is: or I have some photos I took inside 25th back in 1990-91 that I will post on here soon. Hope everyone is doing well! Julie Scorza in West
posted by Julie Scorza on Jun 26, 2006 at 8:31pm

O.K. All you so called 25th Street Theatre Buffs, who can answer these trivia questions and name the songs/artist the verses are from.

1. What stood where the Theatre now stands before construction began in 1944?

2. “Walking in a strange light, looking at the walls, The walls are getting higher and I think they’re gonna fall, They’re gonna fall down over me, crush me till I scream……”

3. What movie played 14 weeks in the summer of 1977?

4. “If people say I bad then promise you ignore them, my kisses are exclusive, noone can afford them.”

5. What brand and capacity were the hoist that handled the main light show?

6. “Brought to you by the United States Air Force.”

7. What were the dimensions for the dance floor?

8. “Once I had a vision of you and me and our……”

9. What was the date the Theatre/ Club closed for good?

10. “If you need a friend, dont look to a stranger. You know in the end, I’ll always be there…..”

11. What song received the most airplay and could be defined as “THE SONG OF 25TH STREET”?

12. What business sat directly behind from the Theatre in 1990?

13. “And Gillian will meet me like a brother would. I think I remember but it’s twice as good.
    Like how cool the rum is from a silver tray”

14. What song was playing when the tear gas bomb forced evacuation in September 1989?

15. “But if we should be evicted huh, from our homes, weâ€\ll just move somewhere else and still carry on”

16. “I think about you lately, More than you will ever know, And if you could just forgive me, You know I’d love you so”

17. What was the cover charge for minors and adults?

18. “Turn off the TV, look at a book, Pick up the phone, fix some food, Maybe I’ll sit up all night and day, Waiting for the minute I hear you say”

19. What were the colors of the curtains, both in front and behind the screen?

20. “Sodom and Gomarah let the DJ play, cause I’ll only come tomorrow, and here today…..”

Email me for answers, unless you are a 25th Street “know it all”, like myself.

CHEERS!!!!

Anything happening now with theatre? I’m waiting to see what happens before I remodel my property next door.

Bill Foster
The Waco Citizen
254 754-3511. waco, tx 76707