Tinseltoes, that Boxoffice article was a good find! I forgot all about going to the Marcus Cinema Chicago Heights when it was a two screen, they just keep adding and adding to it!
CT could use an exact address, is the building still standing, if yes, what is the use of the building, photos, old and new, inside and out, and any other info???
gungo, thanks for the photo you took yesterday and info! Did you get to go inside to buy a carpet/see what’s left of the CINERAMA? I saw “CIRCUS WORLD” in CINERAMA in that theatre. I was stationed at the U.S. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in 1966 and flew back in many, many times till about 1990. I would love to see photos of any theaters, correct address, and info you care to add to CT. My plan was to vacation back to Puerto Rico, and do just that, but now my wife is sick for us to do that.
Chief Bob Jensen
Manteno, Illinois
I do like the terra cotta and would love to see all those stud lights lite on the Belpark, but what about that missing great window and that messed up interior?
Belpark 2,004 seats, to many, and all gone.
Portage 1,321 seats, more realistic, and on the deck.
200 IS NEARLY THE ADDREES OF THE DICKSON THEATRE. THE ROXY THEATRE WAS ONE BLOCK SOUTH. THE ROXY THEATRE STOOD FOR A TIME AFTER THE DICKSON THEATRE OPENED, SO IT WOULD BE IMPOSIBLE FOR THEM TO BE ON THE SAME SITE.
The Crystal Theatre was built owned and operated in 1921 by Col. J.E. Burke, this was the second Crystal Theatre in Okemah. By 1927, hard times hit the Crystal Theatre. Talking pictures were being released and the acoustics were bad inside the Crystal. The sound seemed to bounce back and forth.
In 1931 Anton (Pop) Slepkas (1877-1956), who also owned the Jewel Theater which is listed on CT, bought the theatre and it was remodeled and modeled after Tulsa’s Ritz Theatre, in the Atmospheric-style with floating clouds (with a “steropticon” cloud machine), twinkling stars, stained glass lights and cut-velvet upholstered seats. With a balcony and orchestra pit. It reopened in 1932. Much of the theatre’s orignal decor still remains, Painted stage flats and scenery, remnants of vaudeville days, are used in local pagents and plays. The 1921 hand-painted curtain, lights and original seats also remain. The dressing rooms remain as a yearbook for the theatre with signatures on the walls dating from the early 20s to the present. The Crystal is one of very few historical theatres left in State of Oklahoma.
Pop turned the managenent of the Crystal and Jewel over to his son Bill Slepka. Bill was once said to be the the youngest playhouse execuitive in the United States. Bill Slepka brought Hollywood to Okemah. In the 1930s Bill ran six shows a week, changing bills daily, vaudeville and pictures. He charged from 10 to 25 cents, which sometimes included dancing troupes and dramas. He added a CinemScope Screen in 1954. He retired in the 1970’s.
In the early 80s the Crystal was purchased by Mark Smyth. The theatre was in dire need of attention, which Smyth gave by painting, repairing and adding a PIPE ORGAN to the theatre. Anyone know what kind of pipe organ and what happebed to it?
In 1995, new owners Johnny and Kristy Lesly, added surround sound, new projection equipment and made needed repairs, taking care to restore the theatre leaving as many of the original characteristics of the building in place as possible.
The Crystal continued as a movie house and then into the the twenty-first century when it closed.
On May 11, 2010, The Community Improvement Association (CIA) signed an aggreement with Donnie Williamson to purchase the Crystal. Williamsom generously agreed to sell the theater for $55,000, well below the $125,000 appraisal Williamson obtained when he purchaed the Crystal. The CIA secured finacing that included an additional $15,000 to make repairs to the building in order for it to be used. The CIA is comprised of leaders from many civic groups in Okemah, such as the leaders from the Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Woody Guthrie Coalition, American Legion, History Center, City of Okemah, Okemah Schools and the Ministrial Alliance which meet once a month to discuss the activities that are ongoing in Okemah. The majority of groups represented on the board of the CIA made pledges to help with the cost of purchasing the Crystal Theatre. The CIA has taken the initiative to keep the Historic Crystal Theatre in good repair. The Crystal is home to many performers during the Woody Guthrie Celebration each July.
THE GOAL OF THE OKEMAH CIA FOR THE CRYSTAL THEATRE IS TO:
*PRESERVE A HISTORIC PART OF OKEMAH’S PAST.
*PROVIDE THE COMMUNITY WITH A MULTI USE FACILITY.
*PROVIDE A TOURISUM DESTINATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE WOODY GUTHRIE PARK AND HISTORY CENTER.
Okemah is named after Chief Okemah. 100 years ago, July 12, 1912, famed folk-singer Woody Guthrie “THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND” was born in Okemah. His son is Arlo Guthrie “RIDING ON THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS”.
The Jewel was built 1912-1913. It had a balcony. In 1919 Anton (Pop) Slepka (1877-1956) bought the Jewel. Later Pop turned the management over to his son Bill Slepka. Bill who “brought Hollywood to Okemah” was once said to be the youngest playhouse executive in the United States. A CinemaScope Screen was added in 1954. Bill retired in the 1970’s.
It is my understanding, correct me if I’m wrong, that in the Jim Crow days no African-Americans were allowed to live in Okemah. but had their own seperate town. They could shop in Okemah, but had to leave Okemah by dark.
From “OKEMAH STORIES OF JIM CROW RACISM” by Larry LeVieux
“I knew that Colored children attended Saturday cowboy movies at the Jewel Theater, as I did, but they entered through a back-alley entrance, and were invisibly seated in the balcony. Their money was welcome, but not their presence.”
CT can always use photos, both inside and out, and more info.
Okemah is named for Chief Okemah. It is 100 years, July 14, 1912, since famed folk-singer Woody Guthrie “THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND” was born in Okemah. His son is Arlo Guthrie “RIDING ON THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS”.
CT could use an address for this theatre, photos, new and old, inside and out, and more info.
In 1931 Anton (Pop) Slepka (1877-1956) purchased the theater. The theater was later managed by his son Bill Slepka. They also had the Jewel Theatre in Okemah.
Okemah is named for Chief Okemah. Born in Okemah 100 years ago on July 14, 1912 was famed folk-singer Woody Guthrie “THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND”. His son is Arlo Gurthie “RIDING ON THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS.
CT can always use photos, new and old, inside and out, and more info.
In the black and white intro to “THIS IS CINERAMA”, it seems to me, I remember Lowel Thomas showing cave paintings like those mentioned above in his talk about the history of motion pictures, that was in 1952!
My guess is that the Jewel sign on the drive-in marquee came from the Jewel THEATRE?
The name Okemah came from Chief Okemah.
Famed folk-singer Woody Guthrie (THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND) and father of Arlo Guthrie (RIDING ON THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS) was born in Okemah on July 14, 1912, 100 years ago.
What’s the location of the “highway maintance facility', CT could use an address, photos, both old and new, and more info.
My guess is these will be the last movies shown.
FRI September 28 – 1900 (7:00 PM) THE DARK KNIGHT RISES ($1 Admission)(PG-13)
SAT September 29 – 1400 (2:00 PM) CONTINENTAL DRIFT (1$ Admission)(PG) 1900 (7:00 PM) THE CAMPAIGN®
THE END
PLEASE CHANGE THE TOWN SPELLING TO:
osKaloosa
The ZIP is correct and it will now map.
THANKS
PLEASE CHANGE THE ADDRESS TO:
LEWIS STREET & TRIMBLE ROAD
THE THEATRE IS ON THE NORTHWEST CORNER.
THANKS
webpages don’t work.
Open from about 1940 to 1964. Eugene Driver was the manager in 1962.
I was in Fayetteville, Wednesday, 8/15/12. The Lincoln Theatre had BIG YELLOW BANNERS up on the second floor of the the blue facade that read:
“WE ARE NOW DIGITAL”
“DIGITAL PROJECTORS”
“DIGITAL SURROUND SOUND”
“AND YES, WE CAN SHOW 3D MOVIES”
The movies being shown:
“BOURNE LEGACY”
“TOTAL RECALL”
JR&MJF
CINERAMA Screen?
Seems to me I learned in the Chicago Public Schools that the “Y” is the for the Chicago River that splits into the North and South Branch.
PLEASE ADD TO THE ADDRESS:
400 east cevantes street.
The Pen Theatre was on the Northeast Corner of Cecantes Street & North Alcaniz Street/Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dive.
Tinseltoes, that Boxoffice article was a good find! I forgot all about going to the Marcus Cinema Chicago Heights when it was a two screen, they just keep adding and adding to it!
ALSO KNOW AS:
WESTERN LINCOLN TWIN CINEMAS
The cinema is located near Western Avenue and Lincoln Highway.
Jerry Lewis Cinemas declared bankruptcy in 1980.
CT could use an exact address, is the building still standing, if yes, what is the use of the building, photos, old and new, inside and out, and any other info???
B&L
Chief Bob Jensen
Manteno, Illinois
PLEASE DELETE THIS THEATRE. IT IS THE SAME THEATRE AS THE GRAND THEATRE LISTED ON CT. I HAD THE SAME ADDRESS, I’M NOT SURE HOW IT ENDED UP 518. SORRY
gungo, thanks for the photo you took yesterday and info! Did you get to go inside to buy a carpet/see what’s left of the CINERAMA? I saw “CIRCUS WORLD” in CINERAMA in that theatre. I was stationed at the U.S. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in 1966 and flew back in many, many times till about 1990. I would love to see photos of any theaters, correct address, and info you care to add to CT. My plan was to vacation back to Puerto Rico, and do just that, but now my wife is sick for us to do that. Chief Bob Jensen Manteno, Illinois
I do like the terra cotta and would love to see all those stud lights lite on the Belpark, but what about that missing great window and that messed up interior? Belpark 2,004 seats, to many, and all gone. Portage 1,321 seats, more realistic, and on the deck.
PLEASE CHANGE THE ADDRESS:
REMOVE THE 200
200 IS NEARLY THE ADDREES OF THE DICKSON THEATRE. THE ROXY THEATRE WAS ONE BLOCK SOUTH. THE ROXY THEATRE STOOD FOR A TIME AFTER THE DICKSON THEATRE OPENED, SO IT WOULD BE IMPOSIBLE FOR THEM TO BE ON THE SAME SITE.
THANKS
PLEASE CHANGE NAME TO:
DICKSON THEATRE
The Roxy Theatre was one block South.
PLEASE CHANGE ADDRESS TO:
204
200 is the Veterans Affairs Department, Not RAGAN’S.
The Crystal Theatre was built owned and operated in 1921 by Col. J.E. Burke, this was the second Crystal Theatre in Okemah. By 1927, hard times hit the Crystal Theatre. Talking pictures were being released and the acoustics were bad inside the Crystal. The sound seemed to bounce back and forth.
In 1931 Anton (Pop) Slepkas (1877-1956), who also owned the Jewel Theater which is listed on CT, bought the theatre and it was remodeled and modeled after Tulsa’s Ritz Theatre, in the Atmospheric-style with floating clouds (with a “steropticon” cloud machine), twinkling stars, stained glass lights and cut-velvet upholstered seats. With a balcony and orchestra pit. It reopened in 1932. Much of the theatre’s orignal decor still remains, Painted stage flats and scenery, remnants of vaudeville days, are used in local pagents and plays. The 1921 hand-painted curtain, lights and original seats also remain. The dressing rooms remain as a yearbook for the theatre with signatures on the walls dating from the early 20s to the present. The Crystal is one of very few historical theatres left in State of Oklahoma.
Pop turned the managenent of the Crystal and Jewel over to his son Bill Slepka. Bill was once said to be the the youngest playhouse execuitive in the United States. Bill Slepka brought Hollywood to Okemah. In the 1930s Bill ran six shows a week, changing bills daily, vaudeville and pictures. He charged from 10 to 25 cents, which sometimes included dancing troupes and dramas. He added a CinemScope Screen in 1954. He retired in the 1970’s.
In the early 80s the Crystal was purchased by Mark Smyth. The theatre was in dire need of attention, which Smyth gave by painting, repairing and adding a PIPE ORGAN to the theatre. Anyone know what kind of pipe organ and what happebed to it?
In 1995, new owners Johnny and Kristy Lesly, added surround sound, new projection equipment and made needed repairs, taking care to restore the theatre leaving as many of the original characteristics of the building in place as possible.
The Crystal continued as a movie house and then into the the twenty-first century when it closed.
On May 11, 2010, The Community Improvement Association (CIA) signed an aggreement with Donnie Williamson to purchase the Crystal. Williamsom generously agreed to sell the theater for $55,000, well below the $125,000 appraisal Williamson obtained when he purchaed the Crystal. The CIA secured finacing that included an additional $15,000 to make repairs to the building in order for it to be used. The CIA is comprised of leaders from many civic groups in Okemah, such as the leaders from the Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Woody Guthrie Coalition, American Legion, History Center, City of Okemah, Okemah Schools and the Ministrial Alliance which meet once a month to discuss the activities that are ongoing in Okemah. The majority of groups represented on the board of the CIA made pledges to help with the cost of purchasing the Crystal Theatre. The CIA has taken the initiative to keep the Historic Crystal Theatre in good repair. The Crystal is home to many performers during the Woody Guthrie Celebration each July.
THE GOAL OF THE OKEMAH CIA FOR THE CRYSTAL THEATRE IS TO:
*PRESERVE A HISTORIC PART OF OKEMAH’S PAST.
*PROVIDE THE COMMUNITY WITH A MULTI USE FACILITY.
*PROVIDE A TOURISUM DESTINATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE WOODY GUTHRIE PARK AND HISTORY CENTER.
*SAVE THE CRYSTAL FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
Okemah is named after Chief Okemah. 100 years ago, July 12, 1912, famed folk-singer Woody Guthrie “THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND” was born in Okemah. His son is Arlo Guthrie “RIDING ON THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS”.
The Jewel was built 1912-1913. It had a balcony. In 1919 Anton (Pop) Slepka (1877-1956) bought the Jewel. Later Pop turned the management over to his son Bill Slepka. Bill who “brought Hollywood to Okemah” was once said to be the youngest playhouse executive in the United States. A CinemaScope Screen was added in 1954. Bill retired in the 1970’s.
It is my understanding, correct me if I’m wrong, that in the Jim Crow days no African-Americans were allowed to live in Okemah. but had their own seperate town. They could shop in Okemah, but had to leave Okemah by dark.
From “OKEMAH STORIES OF JIM CROW RACISM” by Larry LeVieux
“I knew that Colored children attended Saturday cowboy movies at the Jewel Theater, as I did, but they entered through a back-alley entrance, and were invisibly seated in the balcony. Their money was welcome, but not their presence.”
CT can always use photos, both inside and out, and more info.
Chief Bob Jensen
Manteno, Illinois
Okemah is named for Chief Okemah. It is 100 years, July 14, 1912, since famed folk-singer Woody Guthrie “THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND” was born in Okemah. His son is Arlo Guthrie “RIDING ON THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS”.
CT could use an address for this theatre, photos, new and old, inside and out, and more info.
Chief Bob Jensen
Manteno, Illinois
In 1931 Anton (Pop) Slepka (1877-1956) purchased the theater. The theater was later managed by his son Bill Slepka. They also had the Jewel Theatre in Okemah.
Okemah is named for Chief Okemah. Born in Okemah 100 years ago on July 14, 1912 was famed folk-singer Woody Guthrie “THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND”. His son is Arlo Gurthie “RIDING ON THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS.
CT can always use photos, new and old, inside and out, and more info.
Chief Bob Jensen
Manteno, Illinois
PREVIOUSLY OPERATED BY:
FLORIDA STATE THEATRES, INC.
PLEASE CHANGE:
FUNCTIONS:
MOVIES (FIRST RUN)
OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
www.okemahcrystaltheatre.com
PHONE:
918.623.9313
THANKS
In the black and white intro to “THIS IS CINERAMA”, it seems to me, I remember Lowel Thomas showing cave paintings like those mentioned above in his talk about the history of motion pictures, that was in 1952!
My guess is that the Jewel sign on the drive-in marquee came from the Jewel THEATRE?
The name Okemah came from Chief Okemah.
Famed folk-singer Woody Guthrie (THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND) and father of Arlo Guthrie (RIDING ON THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS) was born in Okemah on July 14, 1912, 100 years ago.
What’s the location of the “highway maintance facility', CT could use an address, photos, both old and new, and more info.
Chief Bob Jensen
Manteno, Illinois