Fox Pavilion
1202 Main Street,
Hays,
KS
67601
1202 Main Street,
Hays,
KS
67601
3 people
favorited this theater
Related Websites
Fox Pavilion (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Dickinson Theatres, Fox Midwest Theatres, Mann Theatres, National General Theatres
Architects: Samuel W. Bihr, Jr.
Functions: Banquet Hall, Bar, Dinner Theater, Nightclub
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Previous Names: Fox Theatre
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
785.498.8621
Nearby Theaters
News About This Theater
- Mar 30, 2006 — SOLD: Fox Theatre in Hays, Kansas
- Mar 16, 2006 — Fox Theatre in Hays, Kansas to be Auctioned
- Oct 13, 2003 — Fox II Theater Closed; To Be Donated To City?
The Fox Theatre opened April 12, 1950 with Joel McCrea in “The Outriders”. At the time, it was state-of-the-art and included stereo. “My father was the first manager. It later included a CinemaScope screen. There were over 1,000 seats, balcony, original mural artwork (now covered by the addition of a second theatre where the balcony was located”.
It has gone under many owners starting with Rhoden, followed by National General Theatres in the early-1970’s and Mann Theatres in the 1970’s. Most recently operated by
Dickinson Theatres.
Contributed by
B.J. Reed
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Recent comments (view all 23 comments)
Glad to hear the Fox has been rehabilitated! Here it’s looking a little forlorn in the spring of 1994:
View link
The Strand theater was owned by some company that owned the Fox Theater in 1950 – Continued operating into the late 50s early 60s before closing – It was renovated into a clothing store and building still stands – suspect that elements of the Strand are still there behind the renovation – To see the inside of the Fox after renovate just go to their website:
http://www.foxpavilion.com/
That picture of the Liberty Theater is very close to the old Strand Theater location that was closed sometime in the 1960’s.
I am pretty sure the Strand was operating in the mid to late 50s – I remember going to see second run movies when my father ran the Fox Theater – I had to be at least 8 or 9 – born in 1949 so, logic would say it was at least open in mid 50s – It was very run down by that time – The building still stands but what is left of the original theater is anybody’s guess.
Updated website for Fox Pavilion is:
http://www.foxpavilion.com/
The Fox Pavilion has been for sale for a couple of years now: http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/19504420/1202-Main-Street-Hays-KS/ It was foreclosed on after the new owner was convicted of a crime that landed him a lengthy sentence in prison. The catering company that used the facility has moved on to another venue, and the theatre sits unused and closed for most days. The Realtor who is listing the theatre will occasionally book events, but most are poorly attended. It still remains in great shape with only cosmetic damages inside (peeling paint, burned out lights, etc.), and has plenty of potential for someone who wants to invest the time and money in to it.
I’m unable to fetch this theater’s web site, but their Facebook page is still active. Their last event was on May 5, and the next scheduled is June 8, so the place is not in heavy use, at least for public events. I don’t know if they host many weddings or other private events, but the place does bill itself as a performance and event venue. There’s no mention of movies on the Facebook page, so it’s likely they aren’t showing them anymore.
Also operated by the National General Theatre Circuit in the early 1970s and Mann Theatres in the 1970s
Opened by Fox Midwest Theatre Division. I’m quite skeptical that the Fox Circuit of Reading PA would have had anything to do with this location.
Just an update. The Theater has become the Fox Pavillion and serves as an events venue - Still can show movies but it has been renovated and remains a theater landmark for almost 75 years. Here is current website - https://www.thefoxtheatrehays.com/