Wolcott Theatre

Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Herzog brought motion pictures to downtown Wolcott following World War II with the new Wolcott Theatre. Construction began in February of 1947 with an opening date planned for that June. Construction material shortages led to the eventual March 11, 1948 launch. The opening film was Randolph Scott in “Albuquerque” and was a sell-out.

The Herzog family lived in a four-bedroom apartment complex above the theatre with Mr. Herzog in charge of the box office, Mrs. Herzog at the concession stand, Alfred Jr. as an usher and Rex Keyes with assistant Keith Garvin in the projection booth. In June of 1948, the Herzog added air conditioning to the Wolcott Theatre, delighting their patrons.

The theatre appears to have closed in May of 1959 with the Herzogs opening a restaurant next door to the theatre. The Wolcott Theatre was reopened by Gary McHaley and Danny Houser. The Wolcott Theatre reopened with Elvis Presley in “Girls…Girls…Girls” and Jerry Lewis in “It’s Only Money” on May 17, 1963. By Fall of 1964, the theatre was struggling with the operators taking out an advertisement that gave no showtimes and the plea, “We are doing our best but we need your help. COME SEE US”. It appears to have closed in November though used for a special kids screening.

The Wolcott Theatre closed but got one more shot at cinematic glory when it was reopened on February 18, 1965 by Russell DeMoss with Elvis Presley on the big screen with “It Happened at the World’s Fair”. It closed not long after but was used for some events including weddings and John Deere Tractor dealer screenings before being converted to the Wolcott Theatre Cafe restaurant which was operating into the 21st Century.

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