Ken names FOUR theaters of downtown Visalia. Could there have been a FIFTH existing at the same time around 1940 – 1965? In prox ‘48-'49 I worked at the Fox until 10:00 PM, then 'closed’ the one maybe three blocks east on the south side of Main. Which one was that?
Was in Visalia on 9-24 for the “annual gang of HS classes” picnic at Mooneys Grove. Bought from Ron Burris a 200 page pictorial history book of Visalia from 1850-1950. Very few pix of the theaters, but very entertaining and rewarding. I believe he still has some more. If you did not save your old pictures but knew Visalia for a bunch of years, this is a worthwhile treat.
The Fox is very sharp. It puts on great productions as well as the usual. Many thanks and kudos to the Restoration Committee, Crew, Grunts et al and especially to Mrs. Dresser. Pete Sweeney is at home again as was I, aka Bryce, on dragging Main before looking for the Oval Drivein!!
Just got a response to yet another theater query of mine, so decided to come back here. Lesher did send some ancient, informative and interesting data. I will post some of it another time.
If De La Cruz is right, Reuben, we also have a mutual friend beyond Kelm: Joe Flores of the OTHER Flores family. He is still in Visalia and told me some stories about you. I also understand through Betty Wilson that Fred has passed away. Sorry to hear that.
I am curious about the relationship between Fox West Coast Theaters (FWCT), T & D Junior Theatrical Enterprises TDJTE), Visalia Fox Theater (VFT), Hyde Theater (H), and the Roxy Theater ®.
Who were the principals of TDJTE? When did TDJTE get ownership of the Fox? Was it 1929 at VFT opening? Before 1936 opening of the Hyde? Was the Fox part of the spoils of Bankrupty of Mr. Fox? If so, when? Was R affiliated at all in this network? Who was the original owner of the ORIGINAL Fox (1914 -30) at Acequia and Court? Was there a subsequent owner? Can one safely say there were TWO Fox Theaters operational at the same time, at least for a few months (Dec, ‘29 – Feb 26, '30)?
Were all the prox 800 movie theaters under the FWCT banner all named Fox? Were there franchises or intermediaries between, for example, FWCT and TDJC, as either owners only, operators only, or owners – operators? Context above states a “chain” relationship is presently unknown. I tend to think there is some documentation out there somewhere available to some knowledgable soul who cares to elucidate.
I understand Visalia had yet another Movie Theater, the Grand, not named in this Cinema Treasures Review. Purportedly it was alive in 1939; I have no idea currently of it’s lifespan. I expect to receive info about the Grand within a week, but someone here may get a headstart on this issue.
I now have reference to yet another theater – the GRAND!!! A quandry!
Will fill in details after I reveive them. Right now I have only the NAME and a 1939 status date. How long was it there? Only the Shadow knows! But maybe Don Lesher also; he is the source for this reference and is sending me some written material.
To be continued …… not necessarily in Saturday Matinee Serial Form.
Thanks again, Reuben. Hope the webmaster gets this also to make the correction. Say hello to Krew Kut Kelm. Bryce. aka RAGNAR
— The plot thickens. I may be at the Mooney Picnic in Sept.
Thanks to all who contributed. Got input fram Ken Roe of England to local Reuben. As Reuben surely knows the territory, I believe this sites' address of WEST Main must be wrong. Is the 112 address also wrong for 1952? Proximity to Johnson Hotel and Vic’s may make it 2xx EAST! Any more help here?
—– I ushered at the Fox before Mt Whitney 1951 graduation, but have not lived there since.
—– RAGNAR is a psuedonym.
Ken,
Thanks for the addition(s). But where are they? I have yet to figure out what to navigate through to get to them. Found various other interesting items and spent some time with them, but could not locate my specific current interest – any Visalia, CA Theaters. Although your theaters and others are dramatic, how about some added help. Can you guide me through whatever network to get me there? Thanks in any case.
Anybody know about the Bijou Theater in VISALIA, CA from say 1920’s to whenever, ie 1950’s and maybe later? Would like to verify address OR at least north or south side of Main Street AND east or west of Center St. Opening and closing dates would also be great.
Sure would like to know the names and addresses of ALL the movie theaters on Main Street since 1929. If not the addresses, how about west or east of Center Street and whether on north or south side of Main? Start from the FOX going east.
I am thinking (1) Fox, W, N; (2) Bijou, W, S; (3) Roxy, E, N; (4) Visalia, E, S in that order going east.
Dates in service, specifically for the Bijou and Roxy, assuming those names and order sequencing are correct, would be great also as well as any corrections, confirmations or comments.
Ken names FOUR theaters of downtown Visalia. Could there have been a FIFTH existing at the same time around 1940 – 1965? In prox ‘48-'49 I worked at the Fox until 10:00 PM, then 'closed’ the one maybe three blocks east on the south side of Main. Which one was that?
Ken, Thanks, but what city is the Bijou from? Does not look like Hermosa or Visalia!
Thanks, Joe. These pics were also in the book mentioned above. Now I know the source.
Was in Visalia on 9-24 for the “annual gang of HS classes” picnic at Mooneys Grove. Bought from Ron Burris a 200 page pictorial history book of Visalia from 1850-1950. Very few pix of the theaters, but very entertaining and rewarding. I believe he still has some more. If you did not save your old pictures but knew Visalia for a bunch of years, this is a worthwhile treat.
The Fox is very sharp. It puts on great productions as well as the usual. Many thanks and kudos to the Restoration Committee, Crew, Grunts et al and especially to Mrs. Dresser. Pete Sweeney is at home again as was I, aka Bryce, on dragging Main before looking for the Oval Drivein!!
Reuben and whomever:
Just got a response to yet another theater query of mine, so decided to come back here. Lesher did send some ancient, informative and interesting data. I will post some of it another time.
If De La Cruz is right, Reuben, we also have a mutual friend beyond Kelm: Joe Flores of the OTHER Flores family. He is still in Visalia and told me some stories about you. I also understand through Betty Wilson that Fred has passed away. Sorry to hear that.
Theater comments are to be continued ….
KEN and anyone else,
I am curious about the relationship between Fox West Coast Theaters (FWCT), T & D Junior Theatrical Enterprises TDJTE), Visalia Fox Theater (VFT), Hyde Theater (H), and the Roxy Theater ®.
Who were the principals of TDJTE? When did TDJTE get ownership of the Fox? Was it 1929 at VFT opening? Before 1936 opening of the Hyde? Was the Fox part of the spoils of Bankrupty of Mr. Fox? If so, when? Was R affiliated at all in this network? Who was the original owner of the ORIGINAL Fox (1914 -30) at Acequia and Court? Was there a subsequent owner? Can one safely say there were TWO Fox Theaters operational at the same time, at least for a few months (Dec, ‘29 – Feb 26, '30)?
Were all the prox 800 movie theaters under the FWCT banner all named Fox? Were there franchises or intermediaries between, for example, FWCT and TDJC, as either owners only, operators only, or owners – operators? Context above states a “chain” relationship is presently unknown. I tend to think there is some documentation out there somewhere available to some knowledgable soul who cares to elucidate.
I understand Visalia had yet another Movie Theater, the Grand, not named in this Cinema Treasures Review. Purportedly it was alive in 1939; I have no idea currently of it’s lifespan. I expect to receive info about the Grand within a week, but someone here may get a headstart on this issue.
Hey, De La Cruz (hope I am right), my memory is not that, uhh, well, grand!
ALL,
See Bijou theater commentary for further discussion re Visalia Theaters other than Fox – Hyde, Bijou, Roxy and Grand
I now have reference to yet another theater – the GRAND!!! A quandry!
Will fill in details after I reveive them. Right now I have only the NAME and a 1939 status date. How long was it there? Only the Shadow knows! But maybe Don Lesher also; he is the source for this reference and is sending me some written material.
To be continued …… not necessarily in Saturday Matinee Serial Form.
Thanks again, Reuben. Hope the webmaster gets this also to make the correction. Say hello to Krew Kut Kelm. Bryce. aka RAGNAR
— The plot thickens. I may be at the Mooney Picnic in Sept.
Thanks to all who contributed. Got input fram Ken Roe of England to local Reuben. As Reuben surely knows the territory, I believe this sites' address of WEST Main must be wrong. Is the 112 address also wrong for 1952? Proximity to Johnson Hotel and Vic’s may make it 2xx EAST! Any more help here?
—– I ushered at the Fox before Mt Whitney 1951 graduation, but have not lived there since.
—– RAGNAR is a psuedonym.
Ken,
Thanks for the addition(s). But where are they? I have yet to figure out what to navigate through to get to them. Found various other interesting items and spent some time with them, but could not locate my specific current interest – any Visalia, CA Theaters. Although your theaters and others are dramatic, how about some added help. Can you guide me through whatever network to get me there? Thanks in any case.
Anybody know about the Bijou Theater in VISALIA, CA from say 1920’s to whenever, ie 1950’s and maybe later? Would like to verify address OR at least north or south side of Main Street AND east or west of Center St. Opening and closing dates would also be great.
Sure would like to know the names and addresses of ALL the movie theaters on Main Street since 1929. If not the addresses, how about west or east of Center Street and whether on north or south side of Main? Start from the FOX going east.
I am thinking (1) Fox, W, N; (2) Bijou, W, S; (3) Roxy, E, N; (4) Visalia, E, S in that order going east.
Dates in service, specifically for the Bijou and Roxy, assuming those names and order sequencing are correct, would be great also as well as any corrections, confirmations or comments.