Ross Ragland Theatre
218 N. 7th Street,
Klamath Falls,
OR
97601
218 N. 7th Street,
Klamath Falls,
OR
97601
1 person favorited this theater
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The actual opening date is November 30, 1940 with Gary Cooper in “The Westerner”, along with a performance by Matty Malneck and his Orchestra, A subject: “Fly Fishing” (not sure if its part of either a sportsreel or a Grantland Rice Sportlight, not sure yet), A cartoon: Max Fletcher’s Gabby in “The Constable”, and a newsreel.
I’m curious too and wonder if Ross is related to film comic Rags Ragland?
This was George M. Mann theatre when it opened in 1940. William David, of San Francisco, was credited as the architect. The interiors were by Miguel Santocono, “noted decorator,” who worked on the murals for three months, according to newspaper accounts.
A few 2011 photos can be seen here and here.
Here is a 1984 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/ygwhk6v
Was Ross Ragland any relation to Rags Ragland, the vaudeville and burlesque comic and clown of the 1930s and 1940s?
Here is a photo of the Esquire, circa 1948:
View link
You may be right on that, upon further review.
My guess on that last name is either plain “TREE” or “THE TREE” or maybe “PINE TREE” as clearly there isn’t another letter after “TREE” (so it can’t be “STREET”), because there is a dividing band above the “T” and whatever letter (if it is one) or decorative object is above the “T”; and also because up and down the right side of the sign there are little triangular tree symbols, like Christmass trees. Klamath Falls was after all logging country.
Here is a photo of another theater called the Rainbow in Klamath Falls. The date is 1941:
View link
This 1944 photo shows a partially hidden marquee which appears to say “Street” as part of the thater’s name:
View link
Is this the only historic theater in Klamath Falls?
Was it ever called the “Tower”, or just the “Esquire”?
TC:
Is the photo after restoration?
Photo:
http://www.pbase.com/image/36901028
Architect for the renovation:
Pederson & Pederson
Klamath Falls, Oregon