There is significant history behind this Armour Theatre Company building in Montesano,Washington. The photo Ken Layton refers to was most likely taken when my family sold the building on October 15th 1929 to M&E Theatres Inc. Just prior to that on July 26th 1929 GW Armour died as a result of injuries received during a car crash bringing the first “talkie” movie to the theater. At the time the Armour Theatre Company owned quite a number of Movie Theatres and dance halls and GW Armour made a bold move and purchased what is believed to be the first “talkie” movie shown in Washington state which he was reportedly speeding in his car to get to the theatre when he crashed and ultimately lost his life. After his death as a result of complications from the car wreck his wife Eva and son Glen sold the theatre to George D Stringley after which point I know little of it’s history.
I did however have the pleasure of taking a tour of it yesterday 8/11/17 and seeing what a remarkable job Calvery Chapel has done with renovating and remodeling the theatre for it’s needs with great respect for maintaining the architectural integrity and history of the building. – Tom armour
There is significant history behind this Armour Theatre Company building in Montesano,Washington. The photo Ken Layton refers to was most likely taken when my family sold the building on October 15th 1929 to M&E Theatres Inc. Just prior to that on July 26th 1929 GW Armour died as a result of injuries received during a car crash bringing the first “talkie” movie to the theater. At the time the Armour Theatre Company owned quite a number of Movie Theatres and dance halls and GW Armour made a bold move and purchased what is believed to be the first “talkie” movie shown in Washington state which he was reportedly speeding in his car to get to the theatre when he crashed and ultimately lost his life. After his death as a result of complications from the car wreck his wife Eva and son Glen sold the theatre to George D Stringley after which point I know little of it’s history.
I did however have the pleasure of taking a tour of it yesterday 8/11/17 and seeing what a remarkable job Calvery Chapel has done with renovating and remodeling the theatre for it’s needs with great respect for maintaining the architectural integrity and history of the building. – Tom armour