Orpheum Theatre
118 N. Howard Street,
Spokane,
WA
99201
118 N. Howard Street,
Spokane,
WA
99201
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Evergreen State Amusement Corp., Orpheum Circuit, Pantages
Architects: Herman Preusse, Benjamin Marcus Priteca
Previous Names: Columbia Theatre, Pantages Theatre
Nearby Theaters
The Columbia Theatre was opened on May 1, 1906. It was designed by Herman Preusse in partnership with architect Julius Zittel. It had been renamed Pantages Theatre on August 23, 1908. It was re-modeled by noted architect B. Marcus Priteca and re-opened on June 30, 1918 with 1,300 seats. In 1930 it was renamed Orpheum Theatre and was operating as a movie theatre from 1932. In 1950, the seating capacity had been slightly reduced to 1,253.
The Orpheum Theatre was demolished in 1958.
Contributed by
Ken Roe
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Recent comments (view all 7 comments)
A photograph and some organ details here:
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Various performers were appearing at the Pantages in Spokane as early as October, 1907, as listed in the 1907-08 edition of Henry’s Official Western Theatrical Guide.
A splendid night shot of the Pantages Theatre illustrates this article about vaudeville in Spokane, published by the Spokesman-Review in 2005.
A matter of family lore: In the 20s, when the Pantages was a vaudeville house, my grandfather, amateur boxing champ of Spokane, was drafted to fill in as sparring partner for Jack Dempsey. Boxed a round with the world heavyweight champion every night he was onstage that week. My grandfather minded his manners — he didn’t want to get the fellow angry.
My Mom grew up in Spokane and used to go to this theater when she was a kid. Before it was demolished she was able to get one of the art deco chandeliers. We are trying to put a value on it and I am unable to find one posted anywhere. I don’t have a picture of it as it is still packed from their recent move. If anyone can guide me as to where to find information on it I would appreciate it. or Thank you
My mom took me to this theater a couple times before it was demolished.It became my favorite theater in Spokane. It was beautiful inside and looked similar to the State and Fox Theaters, but wasn’t crowded inside as those two were. Was a sad day when the Orpheum was torn down.
This opened as Columbia on May 1st, 1906 and reopened as the Orpheum on August 23rd, 1908. Grand opening ads posted.