To clarify, there was some form of a “soft opening” on March 20, 1952. I learned this from personal conversations I had in the early 1980s with the original projectionist and other staff. Officially, yes, the Grand Gala Opening was on Friday the 21st. The Thursday “opening” was a trial run to make sure everything was working and ready. Whether it was a paying even, I have no idea and my original source has long since passed away.
The Wilshire was acquired by the the former “city manager” of Commonwealth/UA and his wife in the early 1990’s. He operated it as a dollar house. For the life of me I don’t remember his name. It ran for a few years with some funky specials.
The Mesa was originally the Majestic Theatre and dates to about 1915, maybe a bit earlier (I have a postcard of Main St. showing it in 1916). Westland leased the property in the 1930’s and changed the name to the Mesa. They tried to purchase the building but the original owners of the Majestic (and their successive family) didn’t want to sell the real estate. Westland updated and completely restyled the theatre in early 1953. This facade, marquee and interior remains pretty much the same today although it does not show movies and has been converted to a bar and live theatre venue now.
As mentioned Westland did build a Chief in Grand Junction but it was a drive-in. They also built a Chief hard-top on the front range. Interestingly enough the first manager of the GJ Chief had been the manager for the other Chief previously.
The STARLITE (correct spelling) opened on August 2, 1947. It was owned by a partnership of the Files Brothers, Lloyd and Clarence (who owned the land), Roy French (manager), and Stanley Siegenthaler. It was located at approximately 2401 Street and North Ave (east of where the VA hospital). It was the second drive-in in Colorado.
The theatre originally had a capacity of 300 but it was enlarged to accommodate 400+ cars. The entrance was off the south side of North Ave directly across from the current address of 2400 North Ave. The screen was situated at the northwest corner of the lot and faced southeast. A long fence directed traffic along the west side of the property to the southwest corner of the lot where entry to the field was made.
The concession and projection booth was located in the center of the field. The projectors were Simplex, sound heads Motiograph, with amplification and speakers by RCA.
The theatre closed in the very early 60’s (possibly 1962) when the property was sold to build Teller Arms Shopping Center. The theatre was moved (screen, booth and all) to 686 23 Rd, north of Hwy 6 & 50. It didn’t last long and closed in the 1960’s.
The Starlite was never at 2881 North Ave. The Rocket Drive-In (owned by the Scales Family) occupied that spot. The Scales owned and operated the theatre until the 1960’s when they leased it to the Westland Theatre Corp. of Colorado Springs. It closed in 1985 and was demolished in 1988 to make room for WalMart.
As for the Chief Drive-In, it was at 2868 North Ave (phone 243-1340). It opened on March 21, 1952 and closed at the end of the 1989 season. It was built and owned by Westand (later Commonwealth, Comonwealth/UA, United Artists etc.). Yes, it’s property parcel is now Colorado West Mental Health. The ticket booth was moved during the demolition to Guyton’s Fun Junction near the former theatre. Where it went after that, I don’t know.
The Grand Junction area had one other drive-in as well. It was possibly named the Monument but I don’t remember for sure. It was off 21 ½ Rd just north of the “new” Fruita highway. It opened in the late ‘50’s or early sixties but only lasted a few seasons. It was a cheap affair, used equipment, terrible ramp arrangement. By 1966 it was gone.
Sidney Cox was known as an “opener” for Westland as I remember it. In 1952 he moved to Grand Junction to open Westland’s “Chief” Drive-In at 2868 North Ave. After a short time (maybe a season to two) he left and Forrest Litsey took over as manager of GJ’s Chief.
To clarify, there was some form of a “soft opening” on March 20, 1952. I learned this from personal conversations I had in the early 1980s with the original projectionist and other staff. Officially, yes, the Grand Gala Opening was on Friday the 21st. The Thursday “opening” was a trial run to make sure everything was working and ready. Whether it was a paying even, I have no idea and my original source has long since passed away.
The Wilshire was acquired by the the former “city manager” of Commonwealth/UA and his wife in the early 1990’s. He operated it as a dollar house. For the life of me I don’t remember his name. It ran for a few years with some funky specials.
Located the opening date, April 16, 1955. First show was Five Guns West followed by The Fast & the Furious.
The Mesa was originally the Majestic Theatre and dates to about 1915, maybe a bit earlier (I have a postcard of Main St. showing it in 1916). Westland leased the property in the 1930’s and changed the name to the Mesa. They tried to purchase the building but the original owners of the Majestic (and their successive family) didn’t want to sell the real estate. Westland updated and completely restyled the theatre in early 1953. This facade, marquee and interior remains pretty much the same today although it does not show movies and has been converted to a bar and live theatre venue now.
As mentioned Westland did build a Chief in Grand Junction but it was a drive-in. They also built a Chief hard-top on the front range. Interestingly enough the first manager of the GJ Chief had been the manager for the other Chief previously.
The STARLITE (correct spelling) opened on August 2, 1947. It was owned by a partnership of the Files Brothers, Lloyd and Clarence (who owned the land), Roy French (manager), and Stanley Siegenthaler. It was located at approximately 2401 Street and North Ave (east of where the VA hospital). It was the second drive-in in Colorado.
The theatre originally had a capacity of 300 but it was enlarged to accommodate 400+ cars. The entrance was off the south side of North Ave directly across from the current address of 2400 North Ave. The screen was situated at the northwest corner of the lot and faced southeast. A long fence directed traffic along the west side of the property to the southwest corner of the lot where entry to the field was made.
The concession and projection booth was located in the center of the field. The projectors were Simplex, sound heads Motiograph, with amplification and speakers by RCA.
The theatre closed in the very early 60’s (possibly 1962) when the property was sold to build Teller Arms Shopping Center. The theatre was moved (screen, booth and all) to 686 23 Rd, north of Hwy 6 & 50. It didn’t last long and closed in the 1960’s.
The Starlite was never at 2881 North Ave. The Rocket Drive-In (owned by the Scales Family) occupied that spot. The Scales owned and operated the theatre until the 1960’s when they leased it to the Westland Theatre Corp. of Colorado Springs. It closed in 1985 and was demolished in 1988 to make room for WalMart.
As for the Chief Drive-In, it was at 2868 North Ave (phone 243-1340). It opened on March 21, 1952 and closed at the end of the 1989 season. It was built and owned by Westand (later Commonwealth, Comonwealth/UA, United Artists etc.). Yes, it’s property parcel is now Colorado West Mental Health. The ticket booth was moved during the demolition to Guyton’s Fun Junction near the former theatre. Where it went after that, I don’t know.
The Grand Junction area had one other drive-in as well. It was possibly named the Monument but I don’t remember for sure. It was off 21 ½ Rd just north of the “new” Fruita highway. It opened in the late ‘50’s or early sixties but only lasted a few seasons. It was a cheap affair, used equipment, terrible ramp arrangement. By 1966 it was gone.
Sidney Cox was known as an “opener” for Westland as I remember it. In 1952 he moved to Grand Junction to open Westland’s “Chief” Drive-In at 2868 North Ave. After a short time (maybe a season to two) he left and Forrest Litsey took over as manager of GJ’s Chief.