When I was a young boy growing up in the 50’s there was a “rite of passage” into manhood that involved the Frisina Joy Theater on the square in Pawnee, IL. If you could jump and touch the top of the marquee which was in front of the theater you could enter the realm of manhood or so we liked to think or perhaps we just had fun trying. Yes, i accomplished my feat and now wish that entering into adulthood had really been that easy. I still do wonder why I, like all the others had to pay 14 cents for my ticket, and the Beam Kids admission was much cheaper??? I believe it had to do w/ a land deal.
The Frisina Joy Theatre in Pawnee, Illinois holds many childhood memories for me. Although it’s been years(more than I care to remember), this is where I saw may first indoor talking movie. Little did I know then that this theatre would become part of my family history. I distinctly remember Mr. Turvey(my future father-in-law) standing on the stage during the month of November, holding a Thanksgiving turkey that he had acquired from the Smith turkey farm, forcing a fake smile and praying that the drawing for the turkey would soon be over. Though cutomers did not realize it, Mr. Turvey hated particularly turkeys, and these Thanksgiving birds tend to be rather large. I also recall that the back row west side was where I began attending movies with my first girl friend. In those days going to a movie followed by a hamburger at Darrell’s Grill was THE way to show your date a fun time. I can also remember the numerous times that Ted S.,an usher, came down the aisle with flashlight in hand, shined it on me and told me to be quiet. Frisina Joy Theatre,thanks for the memories.
Lynn Wright
When I was a young boy growing up in the 50’s there was a “rite of passage” into manhood that involved the Frisina Joy Theater on the square in Pawnee, IL. If you could jump and touch the top of the marquee which was in front of the theater you could enter the realm of manhood or so we liked to think or perhaps we just had fun trying. Yes, i accomplished my feat and now wish that entering into adulthood had really been that easy. I still do wonder why I, like all the others had to pay 14 cents for my ticket, and the Beam Kids admission was much cheaper??? I believe it had to do w/ a land deal.
Jim Jones, Sept 19, 2010
Appreciate the photo!
Ida,
No, I am sorry that is not the same Mary Turvey. I wish I culd help but my mother is not the lady in your search. HOpe you find her.
Marilee Turvey Wright
The Frisina Joy Theatre in Pawnee, Illinois holds many childhood memories for me. Although it’s been years(more than I care to remember), this is where I saw may first indoor talking movie. Little did I know then that this theatre would become part of my family history. I distinctly remember Mr. Turvey(my future father-in-law) standing on the stage during the month of November, holding a Thanksgiving turkey that he had acquired from the Smith turkey farm, forcing a fake smile and praying that the drawing for the turkey would soon be over. Though cutomers did not realize it, Mr. Turvey hated particularly turkeys, and these Thanksgiving birds tend to be rather large. I also recall that the back row west side was where I began attending movies with my first girl friend. In those days going to a movie followed by a hamburger at Darrell’s Grill was THE way to show your date a fun time. I can also remember the numerous times that Ted S.,an usher, came down the aisle with flashlight in hand, shined it on me and told me to be quiet. Frisina Joy Theatre,thanks for the memories.
Lynn Wright