Chief Theatre
228 W. Coal Avenue,
Gallup,
NM
87301
228 W. Coal Avenue,
Gallup,
NM
87301
1 person
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Griffith Amusement Company
Architects: Jack M. Corgan, William J. Moore Jr.
Firms: Corgan & Moore
Functions: Retail
Styles: Pueblo Deco
Previous Names: Strand Theatre
Nearby Theaters
The Strand Theatre opened in 1920. It could seat 650. In 1936, the theater was completely remodeled in Pueblo Deco style to the plans of architectural firm Corgan & Moore. It then reopened as the Chief Theatre. Its owner at the time was R.E. Griffith, brother of the famed Hollywood director D.W. Griffith. (R.E. Griffith also owned and operated the Navajo Theatre and the El Rancho Hotel).
Long closed as a movie house, the former Chief Theatre is now used as as a leather goods and shoe store. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 and the State Register of Historic Places in 2000.
Contributed by
Bryan
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Recent comments (view all 4 comments)
I believe the Chief had a 3 or 4 rank Robeert Morton organ installed about 1922. Disposition is unknown. If anyone has more details on the organ and disposition I would like to hear from them. Don Story
Remodeled On August 20, 1936, reopening with “High Tension” along with a comedy entitled “Wife Of A Party”, and a Fox Movietone newsreel.
Cool cars back then.
Began life as the Strand in 1920. Rechristened the Chief after an inside/out makeover in the Pueblo Deco style in 1936 by Griffith’s Theatres. The house had a racked floor and a balcony.
The original vertical and marquee were destroyed by lightning.
As of 2024 houses City Electric Shoe Shop.