The Boyd Theatre was originally known as the Moon Theatre. A live stage play opened the Moon on October 7, 1920. The venue added sound kin 1929 to remain viable. W.H. Bradstreet and R.P. Jones took on the venue on September 22, 1934 renaming it as the Boyd Theatre with Janet Gaynor in “Change of Heart.” In 1955, the theatre was equipped with widescreen projection to project CinemaScope films. The Boyd theatre was still in operation in the 1970s.
Lynch residents first had motion pictures in 1908. By 1910, the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Hall which housed the IOOF Opera House - also called the Lynch Opera House - began showing movies twice a week. In 1915, Anton Wasatako subleased the IOOF Hall equipping it with a permanent projection system when he operated the hall as a movie theater three nights a week.
Bert Redmond of the Velda Thatre in Fairfax, South Dakota, took on the operation changing the Opera House/Hall’s name to the Velda Theatre on July 10, 1920 with Constance Talmadge in “Two Weeks” (though with Sam Alberts running the venue). The theatre was equipped for sound to stay viable and still was used by the IOOF as the Velda operated just four days a week.
John Blair took on the operation on April 11, 1936 renaming the venue as the Lynch Theatre with the film, “China Seas.” The Lynch Theatre continued through shows of June 26, 1954 closing with “The Charge at Feather River.” The theater was essentially replaced by the new-build Lynn Theatre which had launched in June of 1954.
This theatre was announced in 1930 by former Ideal Theatre owner George Luce who announced that he would convert the existing skating rink in downtown Morrill’s Stearns Building to a movie house. A naming contest was held and Delmar was selected as its name in time for the opening on April 19, 1930. The town’s only other movie theater, the aforementioned Ideal, had closed in March of 1930 and was converted to a grocery store. The Delmar experience improved when the venue was equipped with a new projection system in 1939.
Galen Smith closed the Delmar in 1942 for a major streamlined refresh bringing about a “bullet shaped auditorium” bathed in turquoise, brown and gold with a sunburst ceiling design. Neon signage lit the new-look Delmar which relaunched July 18, 1942 with the Gene Autry film,“Heart of the Rio Grande.” Ed Arnold of Los Angeles performed the mural work as he had at venues including Scottsbluff’s Egyptian Theatre and Carig, Colorado’s West Theatre.
The Delmar struggled in the late 1960s and closed in December of 1968. It briefly opened showing only Spanish language films and closed again briefly. It re-emerged a month after its 40th anniversary at a relaunch with English language films on Friday and Spanish language films on Saturday and Sunday. Its reopening film on May 22, 1970 was “The Big Gun Down.” The theatre appears to have closed on June 28, 1970.
Burtz & Koyen launched the Lyric Theatre in the Pacific Building on September 25, 1907 as the first dedicated movie theater in Norfolk playing 200 feet of film. The theatre converted to sound to stay viable.
Commonwealth Theatres took on the venue in 1933 giving it a major transformation and improved sound system and renaming it the Rialto at a grand reopening on June 7, 1933 with Laurel & Hardy in “The Devil’s Brother” supported by a Hearst newsreel. When the Rialto closed, it appears that the nameplate was transferred to the Grand Theatre.
Howard Schinn launched the Crystal Theater on January 20, 1909 in an existing building adjoining the Queen Hotel. The 350-seat theater was the second movie theater in downtown Norfolk following the Lyric. Due to lack of electricity, the Crystal operated its theater including the projectors with gas at opening. Five operators later, the Crystal closed on July 30, 1914. In 1915, it was retrofitted for a cafe.
The Grand Theatre was built in 1920 launching for Dan Craven on January 13, 1921. A Robert Morgan pipe organ was installed four months later. The Grand installed sound to stay viable. The New Grand Theatre relaunched March 24, 1935 with Will Rogers in “Life Begins at 40.” Paramount Publix held the lease of the theater briefly before selling it. When the Rialto closed, its name was apparently then moved to the Grand.
The Spanish architecture of the Granada Theatre is why its name was selected over 127 others submitted by Norfolkans. Elbert B. Watson was the architect of the project. The Granada launched April 16, 1927 for the Hostettler Amusement Circuit with a big, six unit show. It began with Virginia Witkowsky at the Kilgen Wonder Organ. The big finale was the night’s feature with Laura LaPlante in “The Love Thrill” supported by a newsreel, Bobby Vernon in the Christie comedy short, “Jailbirders,” and live music and vaudeville.
The theatre converted to sound in the Fall of 1928 to remain viable. Paramount Publix operated the theatre in the 1930s. After several operators, the Granada closed at the end of its lease in 1977.
The cornerstone of the Temple Theatre was laid on November 7, 1908. That ceremony included a parade and attendance by “thousands” according to local reportage. The Temple Theatre then opened with a stage presentation of “A Girl at the Helm” on October 19, 1909. In 1927, the theatre received a major makeover and a grand relaunch positioned as a dedicated movie theater.
Fox West Coast purchased the Temple and World in 1929 and changed the Temple to the Fox Temple on January 1930. A lawsuit and some form of transfer of ownership took place but the theatre effectively remained in the Fox family. In May of 1948, the theatre was downgraded to twice a week operation on Saturday and Sunday only. On December 5, 1948, a fire damaged the building leading to a complete remodeling job.
The theatre was repaired and relaunched for Fox Intermountain as the Bison Theatre on July 26, 1950 with “Wagonmaster.” The remodel was designed by architect Charles D. Strong. Fox dropped the theater on December 22, 1954. Cinema Amusement Company of Glen Rock led by Carlin Smith took on the venue in January of 1955.
H.E. Brookings took on the World War I era Liberty Theatre and gave it a streamline makeover and new name relaunching May 28, 1937 as the Chief Theatre
When the Overland Theatre opened in 1897, it showed early motion pictures which proved to be popular. On November 29, 1906, Nebraska City got its first movie theater when the New Idea Theatre opened in an existing building at 815 Central playing short films along with vaudeville acts. On June 13, 1907, it was renamed the Empire theatre and was operated by Schnitzer and Wallen with 250 wooden chairs nailed together. The program was changed three times a week. There was a Saturday matinee but no Sunday performances because of the Blue Laws. Admission was 5 & 10 cents.
The ACX had its Grand Opening on December 25, 2020 with only two screens in use playing “Wonder Woman ‘84” and “News of the World.” Built by Main Street Theatres and delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the theatre opened under the ACX Cinemas Circuit.
Nebraska City’s original Pioneer Theatre burned down December 4, 1947. It was originally called the New Idea Theatre in 1906 and became the Empire and Paramount for Booth Brothers prior to becoming the Pioneer for Williams-Griffith.
Griffith Enterprises Circuit built a new Pioneer in 1948 launching as the New Pioneer, a mammoth 1,100-seat venue on February, 3, 1949. The Arbor Theatre was demoted to the town’s second-run, popular price location. The Pioneer would convert to widescreen in the 1950s and later was triplexed to remain viable. In the 21st Century, ACX Cinemas ran the venue as an all-digital first-run location.
J Sterling Morton created the local opera house building nearby named the Overland Theatre in 1897 as a live venue. Movies were shown early in the Opera House’s existence and became an even more popular pastime leading to a new venue dedicated to films. The New Idea Theatre launched here on November 29, 1906 With short films and live entertainment. About six months later, new operators renamed the venue as the Empire Theatre opening on June 13, 1907 showing movies.
The venue changed names again to the Paramount Theatre in 1915. Its pipe organ became expendable not long after architect C.W. Steinbaugh’s remodeling of the Paramount in 1927 which would lead to sound movies. Its organ would move to the Booth Theatre in 1931. 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 Williams-Griffith Theatre Circuit took over the location.
Griffith gave the venue one final new name as the town’s original Pioneer Theatre on July 12, 1940. The Pioneer Theatre’s final screenings were on December 3, 1947. In the early hours of December 4, 1947, the building was destroyed by fire. A new Pioneer Theatre was built and remained in operation as a triplex to the 21st Century.
The Overland Theatre launched with a live performance of “Secret Service” on December 18, 1897. Chicago architect Sidney Lovell drew the plans for the venue which had 820 seats at opening for legendary local businessman, J. Sterling Morton. The drop curtain dramatized the 1864 Overland stagecoach attack by Cheyenne Indians in the valley of Little Blue.
Wesley and Robert Booth of Booth Brothers Circuit launched the Booth Theatre on June 4, 1931 with Jackie Cooper in “Donovan’s Kid.” Harry Lourie of Omaha designed the theater and architect W.E. Stockham was the local architect. The Booth had 750 seats at opening and a 16'x21' screen. The pipe organ from the Paramount Theatre was moved to the Booth at launch.
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 a new sign spelling, “Arbor.” That was the theater’s new name as of May 28, 1940 at a rechristening ceremony attended by Mayor Ziegenbein.
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.
The Cine Pointe 6 Theatre closed on March 16, 2020 for the COVID-19 pandemic. It reopened July 3, 2020. It closed again due to lack of business on August 28, 2020 hoping to reopen in 2021. On May 15, 2021, a decision was announced that closed the venue permanently. It was one of many theatres that announced a permanent closure due to the pandemic.
It’s difficult to keep all screens operating 7 days a week with so few major releases in the COVID-19 pandemic environment. I’d look for reduced staffs and fewer screens in usage at the Alamo locations until the major releases come later in 2021.
The Edina Cinema closed for the COVID-19 pandemic n March 16, 2020. Landmark Theatres announced in May of 2021 that the closure would be permanent.
The Boyd Theatre was originally known as the Moon Theatre. A live stage play opened the Moon on October 7, 1920. The venue added sound kin 1929 to remain viable. W.H. Bradstreet and R.P. Jones took on the venue on September 22, 1934 renaming it as the Boyd Theatre with Janet Gaynor in “Change of Heart.” In 1955, the theatre was equipped with widescreen projection to project CinemaScope films. The Boyd theatre was still in operation in the 1970s.
Lynch residents first had motion pictures in 1908. By 1910, the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Hall which housed the IOOF Opera House - also called the Lynch Opera House - began showing movies twice a week. In 1915, Anton Wasatako subleased the IOOF Hall equipping it with a permanent projection system when he operated the hall as a movie theater three nights a week.
Bert Redmond of the Velda Thatre in Fairfax, South Dakota, took on the operation changing the Opera House/Hall’s name to the Velda Theatre on July 10, 1920 with Constance Talmadge in “Two Weeks” (though with Sam Alberts running the venue). The theatre was equipped for sound to stay viable and still was used by the IOOF as the Velda operated just four days a week.
John Blair took on the operation on April 11, 1936 renaming the venue as the Lynch Theatre with the film, “China Seas.” The Lynch Theatre continued through shows of June 26, 1954 closing with “The Charge at Feather River.” The theater was essentially replaced by the new-build Lynn Theatre which had launched in June of 1954.
Closed permanently during the COVID-19 pandemic
This theatre was announced in 1930 by former Ideal Theatre owner George Luce who announced that he would convert the existing skating rink in downtown Morrill’s Stearns Building to a movie house. A naming contest was held and Delmar was selected as its name in time for the opening on April 19, 1930. The town’s only other movie theater, the aforementioned Ideal, had closed in March of 1930 and was converted to a grocery store. The Delmar experience improved when the venue was equipped with a new projection system in 1939.
Galen Smith closed the Delmar in 1942 for a major streamlined refresh bringing about a “bullet shaped auditorium” bathed in turquoise, brown and gold with a sunburst ceiling design. Neon signage lit the new-look Delmar which relaunched July 18, 1942 with the Gene Autry film,“Heart of the Rio Grande.” Ed Arnold of Los Angeles performed the mural work as he had at venues including Scottsbluff’s Egyptian Theatre and Carig, Colorado’s West Theatre.
The Delmar struggled in the late 1960s and closed in December of 1968. It briefly opened showing only Spanish language films and closed again briefly. It re-emerged a month after its 40th anniversary at a relaunch with English language films on Friday and Spanish language films on Saturday and Sunday. Its reopening film on May 22, 1970 was “The Big Gun Down.” The theatre appears to have closed on June 28, 1970.
four walls
Burtz & Koyen launched the Lyric Theatre in the Pacific Building on September 25, 1907 as the first dedicated movie theater in Norfolk playing 200 feet of film. The theatre converted to sound to stay viable.
Commonwealth Theatres took on the venue in 1933 giving it a major transformation and improved sound system and renaming it the Rialto at a grand reopening on June 7, 1933 with Laurel & Hardy in “The Devil’s Brother” supported by a Hearst newsreel. When the Rialto closed, it appears that the nameplate was transferred to the Grand Theatre.
Howard Schinn launched the Crystal Theater on January 20, 1909 in an existing building adjoining the Queen Hotel. The 350-seat theater was the second movie theater in downtown Norfolk following the Lyric. Due to lack of electricity, the Crystal operated its theater including the projectors with gas at opening. Five operators later, the Crystal closed on July 30, 1914. In 1915, it was retrofitted for a cafe.
The Grand Theatre was built in 1920 launching for Dan Craven on January 13, 1921. A Robert Morgan pipe organ was installed four months later. The Grand installed sound to stay viable. The New Grand Theatre relaunched March 24, 1935 with Will Rogers in “Life Begins at 40.” Paramount Publix held the lease of the theater briefly before selling it. When the Rialto closed, its name was apparently then moved to the Grand.
The Spanish architecture of the Granada Theatre is why its name was selected over 127 others submitted by Norfolkans. Elbert B. Watson was the architect of the project. The Granada launched April 16, 1927 for the Hostettler Amusement Circuit with a big, six unit show. It began with Virginia Witkowsky at the Kilgen Wonder Organ. The big finale was the night’s feature with Laura LaPlante in “The Love Thrill” supported by a newsreel, Bobby Vernon in the Christie comedy short, “Jailbirders,” and live music and vaudeville.
The theatre converted to sound in the Fall of 1928 to remain viable. Paramount Publix operated the theatre in the 1930s. After several operators, the Granada closed at the end of its lease in 1977.
The cornerstone of the Temple Theatre was laid on November 7, 1908. That ceremony included a parade and attendance by “thousands” according to local reportage. The Temple Theatre then opened with a stage presentation of “A Girl at the Helm” on October 19, 1909. In 1927, the theatre received a major makeover and a grand relaunch positioned as a dedicated movie theater.
Fox West Coast purchased the Temple and World in 1929 and changed the Temple to the Fox Temple on January 1930. A lawsuit and some form of transfer of ownership took place but the theatre effectively remained in the Fox family. In May of 1948, the theatre was downgraded to twice a week operation on Saturday and Sunday only. On December 5, 1948, a fire damaged the building leading to a complete remodeling job.
The theatre was repaired and relaunched for Fox Intermountain as the Bison Theatre on July 26, 1950 with “Wagonmaster.” The remodel was designed by architect Charles D. Strong. Fox dropped the theater on December 22, 1954. Cinema Amusement Company of Glen Rock led by Carlin Smith took on the venue in January of 1955.
H.E. Brookings took on the World War I era Liberty Theatre and gave it a streamline makeover and new name relaunching May 28, 1937 as the Chief Theatre
Architect was Vernon E. Cheney with the theatre launching on November 21, 1939 with Gloria Jean in “The Under-Pup.”
Destroyed by fire May 9, 1943 as part of the Griffith Amusements Circuit.
October 1951 opening
Correction - First Paragraph:
When the Overland Theatre opened in 1897, it showed early motion pictures which proved to be popular. On November 29, 1906, Nebraska City got its first movie theater when the New Idea Theatre opened in an existing building at 815 Central playing short films along with vaudeville acts. On June 13, 1907, it was renamed the Empire theatre and was operated by Schnitzer and Wallen with 250 wooden chairs nailed together. The program was changed three times a week. There was a Saturday matinee but no Sunday performances because of the Blue Laws. Admission was 5 & 10 cents.
The ACX had its Grand Opening on December 25, 2020 with only two screens in use playing “Wonder Woman ‘84” and “News of the World.” Built by Main Street Theatres and delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the theatre opened under the ACX Cinemas Circuit.
Nebraska City’s original Pioneer Theatre burned down December 4, 1947. It was originally called the New Idea Theatre in 1906 and became the Empire and Paramount for Booth Brothers prior to becoming the Pioneer for Williams-Griffith.
Griffith Enterprises Circuit built a new Pioneer in 1948 launching as the New Pioneer, a mammoth 1,100-seat venue on February, 3, 1949. The Arbor Theatre was demoted to the town’s second-run, popular price location. The Pioneer would convert to widescreen in the 1950s and later was triplexed to remain viable. In the 21st Century, ACX Cinemas ran the venue as an all-digital first-run location.
J Sterling Morton created the local opera house building nearby named the Overland Theatre in 1897 as a live venue. Movies were shown early in the Opera House’s existence and became an even more popular pastime leading to a new venue dedicated to films. The New Idea Theatre launched here on November 29, 1906 With short films and live entertainment. About six months later, new operators renamed the venue as the Empire Theatre opening on June 13, 1907 showing movies.
The venue changed names again to the Paramount Theatre in 1915. Its pipe organ became expendable not long after architect C.W. Steinbaugh’s remodeling of the Paramount in 1927 which would lead to sound movies. Its organ would move to the Booth Theatre in 1931. 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 Williams-Griffith Theatre Circuit took over the location.
Griffith gave the venue one final new name as the town’s original Pioneer Theatre on July 12, 1940. The Pioneer Theatre’s final screenings were on December 3, 1947. In the early hours of December 4, 1947, the building was destroyed by fire. A new Pioneer Theatre was built and remained in operation as a triplex to the 21st Century.
The Overland Theatre launched with a live performance of “Secret Service” on December 18, 1897. Chicago architect Sidney Lovell drew the plans for the venue which had 820 seats at opening for legendary local businessman, J. Sterling Morton. The drop curtain dramatized the 1864 Overland stagecoach attack by Cheyenne Indians in the valley of Little Blue.
Wesley and Robert Booth of Booth Brothers Circuit launched the Booth Theatre on June 4, 1931 with Jackie Cooper in “Donovan’s Kid.” Harry Lourie of Omaha designed the theater and architect W.E. Stockham was the local architect. The Booth had 750 seats at opening and a 16'x21' screen. The pipe organ from the Paramount Theatre was moved to the Booth at launch.
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 a new sign spelling, “Arbor.” That was the theater’s new name as of May 28, 1940 at a rechristening ceremony attended by Mayor Ziegenbein.
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.
Architect C.W. Steinbaugh was the architect who performed the overhaul of the Empress in 1927
The Cine Pointe 6 Theatre closed on March 16, 2020 for the COVID-19 pandemic. It reopened July 3, 2020. It closed again due to lack of business on August 28, 2020 hoping to reopen in 2021. On May 15, 2021, a decision was announced that closed the venue permanently. It was one of many theatres that announced a permanent closure due to the pandemic.
It’s difficult to keep all screens operating 7 days a week with so few major releases in the COVID-19 pandemic environment. I’d look for reduced staffs and fewer screens in usage at the Alamo locations until the major releases come later in 2021.