American Theatre
116 E. Broadway Street,
Cushing,
OK
74023
116 E. Broadway Street,
Cushing,
OK
74023
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Address – 106 East Broadway
The Dixie Theatre was a silent movie theatre operating in downtown Cushing around 1916. Walling & Murphee Circuit of Bristow (aka Walmur) bought the Dixie in the 1920s and the Rialto (aka Columbia and the first Paramount) across the street. Walmur changed the Dixie’s name to the American Theatre.
Hiram Dunkin of the Dunkin Theatre took over the location along with the Columbia and converted the American to sound. Dunkin switched the locations of Columbia and the American theaters. The Columbia Theatre became became the Rialto. The American Theatre converted to sound to stay current. It was a third run venue offering very low pricing, two for one admissions and even lower cost matinees during its run.
On July 13, 1940, a projection booth theatre all but destroyed the American Theatre. It was rebuilt relaunching in 1941. It closed during the War though did have some live events and sessions showing war related films. Griffith Amusements took on the American and relaunched it with a grand opening on October 4, 1946. The theatre closed once again ending its cinematic run. The building did find new life with live plays much later.
To see a c1941 color picture postcard with partial view of the American Theatre (photo left) go above to 09-07-07 comment and type in “cushing east broadway”
The Cushing Community Theatre may be housed in the New American Theatre Bldg.
Cushing Community Theatre
105 E. Broadway St, Cushing, OK 74023
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/28065358
This was probably the fire. Reported in the Ada Evening News on 7/15/40:
CUSHINGâ€"Fire believed caused by defective wiring in a theater gutted the movie house and two stores here yesterday. Fire Chief Alvin Gelghar estimated damage at $50,000.
Vintage photos of both theatres can be seen by typing in word “theatre”,
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