My grandfather, Selwyn J (Sam) Lichty, bought out his brothers and owned the Rex. My brother and I spent many Saturday’s there watching movies. I have only good memories of the place. The Lichty’s also owned the Lichty Freezer Storage plant, which is now Americold. My grandfather retired and sold the freezer plant to his Mother, who promptly died and willed the business back to him. My grandmother, Lucile Lichty, was the bookkeeper for both businesses. They also owned a Bonanza Steakhouse, although I can’t remember the location. As a side note, Lucile Lichty was the sister of Helen Hestand. Her husband, Happy Hestand owned the Studebaker dealership in Fort Smith and was also the Mayor.
My grandfather, Selwyn J (Sam) Lichty, bought out his brothers and owned the Rex. My brother and I spent many Saturday’s there watching movies. I have only good memories of the place. The Lichty’s also owned the Lichty Freezer Storage plant, which is now Americold. My grandfather retired and sold the freezer plant to his Mother, who promptly died and willed the business back to him. My grandmother, Lucile Lichty, was the bookkeeper for both businesses. They also owned a Bonanza Steakhouse, although I can’t remember the location. As a side note, Lucile Lichty was the sister of Helen Hestand. Her husband, Happy Hestand owned the Studebaker dealership in Fort Smith and was also the Mayor.