I grew up in the Lake area, money was extremely scarce for residents and going out to do anything was a rare treat. Going to a ‘picture show’ was something most local folks could only do once or twice a year. In an effort to attract vacationers as well as locals, the Grand Glaize drive-in would post flyers on cardstock that listed the shows and times for a month. These were given to stores and gas stations around the lake and as far away as Eldon. The concession stand had the typical hotdogs and burgers but the only thing we ever wanted was a large tub of Buttercup popcorn, extra butter. Just the sight of the Buttercup container would make us drool.
The Grand Glaize was still in operation in the early 1970’s.
In my opinion the Hall was one of the three most attractive theatres, as far as decor, in Columbia. (The other two being the Missouri and the Film Arts) While perhaps not quite as opulent as the Missouri, the Hall’s stained glass and balcony were delightful and the well worn stage had charm. This was the only theatre (outside of drive-ins) I can remember that showed full length double features. It was devastating to return to the Columbia area to find it had been gutted and turned into a cafe.
A correction: The Forum was actually in the Forum Mall and is currently the home of the Sleep Rite Mattress Store. The alcoves on either side of the entrance are still there though the statues have been replaced by something more suited to a garden. The auditorium entrances have been walled off and the beautiful curved ticket desk that was located in the center of the lobby has been replaced by a cheap-looking center sales island. The old roller skating rink behind the mall was torn out to make room for the Forum 8.
The Forum was nice for a ‘new’ theatre, flocked brocade wallpaper and the statues. But IMO the best thing about it was the fact that they retained the tradition of a theatre cat. The lovely longhair (Dutchess, if I remember correctly) had a palatial kitty house in the lobby near the auditorium entrances.
I grew up in the Lake area, money was extremely scarce for residents and going out to do anything was a rare treat. Going to a ‘picture show’ was something most local folks could only do once or twice a year. In an effort to attract vacationers as well as locals, the Grand Glaize drive-in would post flyers on cardstock that listed the shows and times for a month. These were given to stores and gas stations around the lake and as far away as Eldon. The concession stand had the typical hotdogs and burgers but the only thing we ever wanted was a large tub of Buttercup popcorn, extra butter. Just the sight of the Buttercup container would make us drool.
The Grand Glaize was still in operation in the early 1970’s.
In my opinion the Hall was one of the three most attractive theatres, as far as decor, in Columbia. (The other two being the Missouri and the Film Arts) While perhaps not quite as opulent as the Missouri, the Hall’s stained glass and balcony were delightful and the well worn stage had charm. This was the only theatre (outside of drive-ins) I can remember that showed full length double features. It was devastating to return to the Columbia area to find it had been gutted and turned into a cafe.
A correction: The Forum was actually in the Forum Mall and is currently the home of the Sleep Rite Mattress Store. The alcoves on either side of the entrance are still there though the statues have been replaced by something more suited to a garden. The auditorium entrances have been walled off and the beautiful curved ticket desk that was located in the center of the lobby has been replaced by a cheap-looking center sales island. The old roller skating rink behind the mall was torn out to make room for the Forum 8.
The Forum was nice for a ‘new’ theatre, flocked brocade wallpaper and the statues. But IMO the best thing about it was the fact that they retained the tradition of a theatre cat. The lovely longhair (Dutchess, if I remember correctly) had a palatial kitty house in the lobby near the auditorium entrances.