Orpheum Theatre
S. 18th Street and Broadway Avenue,
Parsons,
KS
67357
S. 18th Street and Broadway Avenue,
Parsons,
KS
67357
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The Elks Theatre opened with a live stage presentation of “The Wizard of Oz” on December 22, 1904. The theatre became the Orpheum Theatre on May 22, 1921 staying live. But then the Orpheum relied more heavily on motion pictures installing sound in 1929. Its major, multi-month 1930 refresh largely was aimed at presenting talkies. And W.F. McAleer pulled off a major coup in 1932 by signing up exhibition contracts with both MGM and Warner Brothers to become the top movie house in town.
The final film at the Orpheum was December 19, 1939 with “Nurse Edith Cavell.” Showings of “Nonotchka” were cancelled when the film print and theatre burned ending the theater’s run on December 20, 1939.
The Elks Theatre opened on December 22, 1904. It was located at S. 18th Street and Broadway Avenue. In 1914, it became the Orpheum Theatre. The Orpheum operated until it was destroyed by fire on December 20, 1939. It was never rebuilt. There is now a hotel on its site.
There are a couple of photos in Parsons, by David Mattox and Mike Brotherton (Google Books preview.)
ARCHITECTS:
BOLLER BROTHERS
AKA:
NEW ELKS
Open 1904-1925?
Need an address, more info and more photos.
From Parsons a picture postcard view of the Elks Theater.