Dickenson Theatre
609 N. Washington Street,
Junction City,
KS
66441
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Dickinson Theatres, H.J. Griffith Theaters Inc.
Architects: Carl Boller, Robert O. Boller
Firms: Boller Brothers
Styles: Mission Revival
Previous Names: Uptown Theatre, Junction Theatre
Nearby Theaters
This theater was located on N. Washington Street, across from the Hotel Bartell, in a building that dated to the 1870’s. It was rebuilt in 1917. In 1928 it became the Uptown Theatre. It was operated by Glen W. Dickenson. It was one of the first movie theatres in Kansas to be equipped for ‘talkies’. It was later renamed Junction Theatre and finally Dickenson Theatre. It was demolished in 1985 and replaced by a surface parking lot.
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Recent comments (view all 3 comments)
David and Noelle Soren’s list of know Boller Brothers theaters lists a 1917 project by the Bollers in Junction City, but it is listed as the Columbia Theatre.
The list also includes the Junction Theatre, but that is listed as a later aka for the Uptown Theatre that opened in 1928. It also lists Dickinson as another aka for the Uptown/Junction.
I’ve been unable to find an address for the Columbia Theatre, but the September 1, 1919, Daily Union has an ad for the house which includes a drawing (here, but I don’t have an account with Newspapers.com, so it isn’t enlarged.) Wherever it was, it looks like it was a corner location.
The theater is just barely visible on the right in the photo. I’ve added a map view. It’s a shame it’s such a grungy little lot now. There’s only room for about 6-8 cars. That block of downtown is otherwise well preserved.
The building was originally a livery stable, but had been a store for many years when converted. It looks like the entire front half of the building was replaced.
There is a problem with the dates. This building is still a two story store with offices above on the 1925 map.
I think the correct chronology is a 1928 opening as the Uptown, some later name change to Junction and then Dickenson (or is it Dickinson?). The postcard is from perhaps 1955-56, judging by the cars, and shows it as the Junction.