R/70 Theatre
316-318 Runnels Street,
Big Spring,
TX
79720
316-318 Runnels Street,
Big Spring,
TX
79720
1 person
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Rowley United Theatres Inc.
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Previous Names: State Theatre
Nearby Theaters
This run-down building opened as the State Theatre in around 1942. The facade is simple, but unusual in that it is native limestone, with large fossil shells in it. The marquee is boarded over, the vertical has been painted light blue, and all the neon is broken. The central feature of the facade was covered in blue and yellow tile, but this has nearly all either fallen off or been stolen. Another wreck on Big Spring’s depressing streets. By 1957 it was operated by Rowley United Theatres Inc. It operated as the R/70 Theatre in the 1970’s
Contributed by
Seth Gaines
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Recent comments (view all 6 comments)
Forgot to thank Charles VanBibber for help with the ID on this one.
anyone have any info on this theatre? maybe also how many people it sat at one time?
As of July 2010:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabegrote/4821423364/
In later years this theater was known as the RX-70. I believe it had something to do with being remodeled in the 70’s. The current owner said everything inside had been removed.
Recently found a jewel…a picture of the Port Theater, circa 1959 in Jacinto City, Tx. There is where I grew up in the late 40s, early 50s! Still looking for a pic of the Galena Theater in Galena Park, Tx. These along with a few others were owned by O.K. Theatre Enterprises in Dallas, Tx. Oskar Korn was president; Albert Rains, booker. I tried to trace the O.K. Korn family through my limited online sites but no luck. Anyone out there have anything to add?? Theaters listed were: Lisbon [Dallas]; Midway, Galena [Galena Park]; Avalon, Globe, Grand, Hi Nabor Drive In; Lindale; Port [Jacinto City; Venus [Denver Harbor. Regards. Jeff Brant, Seabrook Tx 77586
There are two State Theatres in its history. The first State Theatre opened its doors on March 27, 1942 with Ralph Byrd in “Misbehaving Husbands” along with an unnamed Bugs Bunny cartoon and a Three Stooges short.
The first location closed on April 2, 1945 when it was relocated to 316-318 Runnels. The second State Theatre opened in its new location on April 3, 1945 with Francis Langford in “Career Girl” along with an unnamed Bugs Bunny cartoon, Paramount News, a Paramount Musical Parade, and an unknown Warner Brothers short.
The State Theatre was later renamed the R/70 Theatre, and was still open in the late-1970s.