El Raton Theatre
115 N. 2nd Street,
Raton,
NM
87740
115 N. 2nd Street,
Raton,
NM
87740
5 people
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Boxoffice, Nov. 3, 1951: “An explosion and fire thought to have been caused by spontaneous combustion in the coal bin caused $100,000 damages to the El Raton at Raton, N. M. The house, belonging to Hubbard & Murphy, Inc., suffered a burned-out stage and auditorium. Although the lobby was practically undamaged, the force of the explosion blew a door across the street. The walls and the ceiling were also undamaged. This was the A-house and the policy is being moved over to the Schuler until the 684-seat El Raton can be rebuilt. The fire occurred at 10:40 in the morning so no one was in the theatre, and it so happend that no one was passing when the door was blown off the hinges.”
Some old pictures, but we do appreciate seeing them!
New pictures of the El Raton loaded to the Photo section.
Latest News: El Raton Theatre has completed another round of upgrades, now featuring not only Dolby Digital and Dolby 3D projection, but now we offer Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound, as well! This makes El Raton Theatre the only theatre to offer all three of these technologies within 450 miles! Come check us out!
Just so future photographers know, if you stop by the theatre, and we are not open, just knock on the door. We may be inside working, and would be glad to give you a short tour of the inside. And yes, we do allow photographs of the inside, too :)
Big news at El Raton! We have been continuously improving various aspects of the theatre and building. Both of the storefronts are undergoing renovation, with the south storefront now about 95% complete, and the north storefront about 40% complete. New carpet has been purchased for the interior, and will be installed early November.
The big news is in the projection booth. The 1952 Brenkert BX-60 projector and associated 35mm equipment has been retired, and replaced with a state of the art Dolby Digital 3D system! Sound has also been upgraded. Everything is crisp, clear and beautiful! Come check it out!
As of July 2010:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabegrote/4831974048/
The El Raton plays Adam Sandler’s starring debut in 1995:
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Well hate to disappoint Simon but the theater is now reopened as of the 23rd of may. I currently it’s projectionist and must say having a fun time doing it too.
Will someone please load this “little beauty” onto a trailer and ship it up to the greater Salem area of Oregon. I’d consider my guardian angel had finally made my dream come true!
I just stopped in Raton on my way back from Denver.
The town is very small, but quite charming. I briefly drove past the theater… it was cool to finally see it in person.
Jan, I’d like to speak to your mom about the El Raton. You can contact me on my cell at 707-0066. I am in Raton. Thank you
I’m Fran’s daughter, Jan. The theatre is tentatively for sale. If you contact me I can put you in touch with my Mom. Please post and I’ll tell you how to reach me.
I am not sure if the theatre is for sale. You might look up the owner, Frances Eigenberg. She operates a mega-plex in Alamosa, Colorado. The theatre has been accepted on the New Mexico State Register for Cultural Properties and an application is now in the process of being completed to have it listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
is it for sale…..
Unfortunately, the El Raton Theatre closed its doors in August 2005.
At this time, building is being considered for placement on the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties
The el raton opened on 20 Apr 1930 and the architect was George Williamson.It currently seats 500.