Midwest Theater
1707 Broadway,
Scottsbluff,
NE
69361
1707 Broadway,
Scottsbluff,
NE
69361
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Closed by First International on September 12thm 1996 on the eve of the new Monument Mall 6.
The Midwest Theatre launched May 3, 1946 with “Gilda” to the plans of architect Charles D. Strong.
Hello from NYC-
the marquee of this theater is featured prominently in a scene in the newest Best Picture winner Nomadland. it gives a clue as to where much of the film was shot. the film never really states where events are taking place.
Beautiful house. Every time I think I know every theater in the U.S. a new one comes to my attention.
Boxoffice, Jan. 1, 1962: “Commonwealth Theatres, with headquarters in Kansas City, has taken over the operation of the Midwest, Bluffs and Oto theatres in Scottsbluff, Neb., as well as Biggers Drive-In and Terry’s Drive-In theatres.”
Here is the updated official website, to replace the one beside the overview.
http://midwesttheater.com/
Fire damaged the marquee. Link won’t share as CT thinks it is spam. But search Scottsbluff Star Herald.
1952 photo added via Mase Mason.
I am wondering, though, if that was the original name of the Egyptian, which stood on the same site until it was destroyed in a 1945 fire. The Boxoffice article cited by Joe Vogel indicates that this theater opened as the Midwest.
Was also told that the theatre’s original name was the Oasis.
I just learned of this theatre with its restored marquee from personnel at the Aurora Theatre in East Aurora NY (suburb of Buffalo).
Great pictures Guys.
Great photos as always Don.
From 2010 a six photo mini-tour of the Midwest in Scottsbluff. The Theater Building, Snack Bar, Ornate interior mural artwork, More artwork, Elegant Seating and Last but not least a beautiful chandelier.
From Boxoffice Magazine, March 30, 1946, datelined Scottsbluff: “William Ostenberg will open his new 920-seat, $200,000 Midwest Theatre here on April 24. The theatre is on the location of the Egyptian, which was destroyed by fire last year.”
The Midwest was also the subject of a three-page article in the June 24, 1946, issue of Boxoffice. The architect of the new house, Charles D. Strong, was a member of the advisory staff of the magazine’s Modern Theatre Planning Institute.
Nice marquee photo here:
http://tinyurl.com/3u44tb
Here is an article from Nebraska Life:
http://tinyurl.com/ygskcn
Here is another link:
View link
Homepage at this link:
http://www.nebraskarts.com/midwest/
I was trilled to learn of the efforts to keep the Midwest afloat. When I was a child growing up in Bridgeport, my father owned the Trail Theatre, now demolished. The Midwest was always the crown jewel of the panhandle theatres. I remember well the days of it’s manager, Bill Boston and the smoky billiard hall in the basement. Great memories of a classic theatre. I always thought it was sad after Ostenberg sold it to Commonwealth. They removed the huge Stong “Mighty 90’s” arc lamps and replaced them with smaller units. They also moved the Box Office from it’s original location. I hope the glass from the original is still around and can be reinstalled.