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The purpose of this website is to bring back the fun memories of the
past and open up the history of the lost theaters that once defined
an evenings entertainment. The architectural interior and of course
the exterior of these mighty structures still fills one with a sense
of awe, evoking romantic dreams of a time when movie-going was an
event. There are thousands of theaters throughout the United States
that need recognized for there role in entertaining us throughout
the years this site contains many theaters from the state of Kansas.
I began
researching the theaters of Kansas
back in 1998. I was interested in finding out what
had happened to the theaters in my
hometown of Liberal, Kansas. Once
I began my efforts many people from all
over Kansas started sending
information on there hometown
theaters.....so began the database
of Kansas Theaters.
Some of these mighty
structures have been destroyed others have been refurbished and are
open for business. If you have any information regarding Kansas
theaters, opera houses or drive in theaters but they are not listed
or you have additional information such as pictures or news articles please
email me. Let's keep the history of our classic theaters
alive!
View the
database
Now showing at the Great Western drive-in theatre - Liberal, Kansas
The
Japanese had just surrendered to end World War II, and the post-war
economy was booming. The year was 1946, times were good in Southwest
Kansas, and Jay Wooten had an idea to bring a drive-in theater to
Liberal. He named it the Great Western. "He didn't have much money to do
it," Wooten's son Jerry said. "He had just enough to put in the screen,
projector, speakers and concession stand." When the Great Western
opened, people came from far and wide to watch a movie on the huge
60-foot tall, 124-foot wide screen.
...full story
Seneca Theater - Seneca, Kansas
The Seneca Theater at 301 Main Street was built in 1927. When the Seneca
Theater opened, it was called the Liberty Theater. This theater was
built on the site of a former Opera House that was constructed in the
1890's. Moving pictures were shown at the Opera House as early as 1909.
In 1927 the decision was made to replace the Opera House with a "modern
movie theater". The Liberty Theater was remodeled around 1951 and at
that time the name was changed to the Seneca Theater. This theater
remains open today.
...database info
Royal Theater
-
Seneca, Kansas
The Royal Theater opened around 1911 at 503 Main Street. This
theater was an "open air" theater or Airdome. Movies were shown here
during the summer months. In cooler weather, movies were then shown at
the Opera House located at 301 Main Street. Moving pictures were shown
as early as 1909 at the Opera House. One source gives a closing date of
1923 for this theater and another gives 1927. Click the link below for a
1915 photo of the Royal Theater. The movie playing there is "The
Spoilers".
...database info
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