Gem Theatre

713 Ohio Avenue,
Wichita Falls, TX 76301

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rivest266
rivest266 on November 26, 2021 at 12:34 am

Grand opening ad posted.

amcilheran
amcilheran on November 12, 2014 at 5:39 pm

This theater was owned by my father Aaron and his brother. I wish to correct the statement that the theater became an all “colored” theater. It actually seated “whites” on the main floor and “colored” in the balcony as this was still in the time of segregation.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on November 11, 2014 at 12:50 pm

The Gem suffered a fire in late 1928, and was then remodeled, according to this item from The Film Daily of January 23, 1929:

“Wichita Falls Gem Opens

“Wichita Falls, Tex.— The Gem, after a fire several weeks ago, has been remodeled and recently opened.”

LFWeidman
LFWeidman on March 5, 2013 at 11:54 am

My great-grandfather, Joseph Weidman, and his brother, built the Gem originally.

Nancylmcc
Nancylmcc on December 28, 2012 at 7:03 pm

This theatre was owned by my grandfather, Aaron McIlheran, brother of Bob McIlheran. He is also credited with opening first movie theatre in Dallas in approx 1905.

WanderinBill
WanderinBill on October 27, 2012 at 7:34 pm

My great Grandfather William McIlheran once owned this theater. When he died in 1928 two of his sons took it over. My grandfather Robert (Bob) Mcilheran and his brother Aaron.