The building that occupies the same spot as the 5th Ave Opera House is indeed currently the Ark City recreation center. But it was originally built (in the 1940’s, I believe) by Spencer-Ralston VFW Post #1254.
The photo is not one of the Howard Theater, rather the old Midland Hotel building, which is next door east of where the Howard sat. The Howard Theater was “deconstructed” about 40 years ago. :(
The 1949 opening listed above is incorrect. The Ark Vue drive-in theater opened in July of 1954; the movie was “Showboat” with Ava Gardner and Howard Keel. I was there for the event, my brother-in-law was the manager of the theater. Also, the Ark Vue was definitely still operating in the 80’s. Finally, in the city directories of the day, you’ll find the address was listed as 2511 N Summit.
The building that occupies the same spot as the 5th Ave Opera House is indeed currently the Ark City recreation center. But it was originally built (in the 1940’s, I believe) by Spencer-Ralston VFW Post #1254.
The photo is not one of the Howard Theater, rather the old Midland Hotel building, which is next door east of where the Howard sat. The Howard Theater was “deconstructed” about 40 years ago. :(
Sorry – no photos. In fact, the pics of the Ark Vue on this site are new to me. FWIW, they are exactly as I remember it. :)
Okay, I was off by a month… memory ain’t what it used to be. At least I got the feature right. :)
The 1949 opening listed above is incorrect. The Ark Vue drive-in theater opened in July of 1954; the movie was “Showboat” with Ava Gardner and Howard Keel. I was there for the event, my brother-in-law was the manager of the theater. Also, the Ark Vue was definitely still operating in the 80’s. Finally, in the city directories of the day, you’ll find the address was listed as 2511 N Summit.