The May 29, 1963, fire that destroyed the Gem Theatre was noted in the June 3 issue of Boxoffice. Damage was estimated at $50,000. The theater had also suffered a major fire in 1952. The magazine had been unable to contact owner Claude Thorp to see if he intended to rebuild in Ryan or not. He also operated theaters in Waurika, Oklahoma, and Henrietta and Burkburnett, Texas.
The May 29, 1963, fire that destroyed the Gem Theatre was noted in the June 3 issue of Boxoffice. Damage was estimated at $50,000. The theater had also suffered a major fire in 1952. The magazine had been unable to contact owner Claude Thorp to see if he intended to rebuild in Ryan or not. He also operated theaters in Waurika, Oklahoma, and Henrietta and Burkburnett, Texas.