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GRAND OPENING OF
FOX PLAZA News release printed in the Liberal, Kansas News - May 23, 1930  At dusk last
night one thousand glittering electric lights in the big marquee sign
guided the crowds to the new Fox Plaza theater for the grand opening.
Eager for the first glimpse of the interior of the new theatre, ticket
purchasers found the new ticket vending and change making machine
operated by Mrs. Dale Hubbard the last word in efficiency and speed and
they were soon inside the foyer.Heavily carpeted, with richly decorated walls, harmonizing furnishings and sift lights the foyer attracted the crowds to enter and view the beauties within. Fred Glass, the courteous doorman and house manager received the tickets and several of Liberal's very attractive young ladies presented the people with souvenir programs. The programs were decorated in blue and black modernistic designs and tied with black and silk cord. On one of the pages appeared this appropriate dedication: "To you who love the finer things of life, who respond with warm eagerness to the appeal of beauty will come a thrill of pride and deep enjoyment when first you step across the threshold of this, the news Fox Plaza Theatre. . . . Into your life this new institution of entertainment will bring moments of joy, hours of delight, long afternoons of pleasure and nights of splendid adventure in the land of make-believe." Rolland Bradford and Don Weaver ushered the crowds into the auditorium.  Exclamation of delighted surprise were heard on every hand as people
stepped through the doors and walked up the heavily carpeted aisles to
sink into the luxuriously upholstered seats. To be appreciated the
interior of the Fox Plaza must be seen. Entirely new in the
theater design in this part of the country, it was very evident that the
modernistic idea was received with great enthusiasm. The gorgeous
colorings of walls and hangings in deep blues, blacks and oranges drew
forth many explanations of admiration. The lighting fixtures
received more than ordinary attention for their beauty is one of the
features of the lovely interior.Every seat in the house was taken, Major J.F. Fuest opened the program with a dedication massage expressing appreciation of what one of Liberal's native sons, H.V. Tucker had done in providing the people of the southwest with this beautiful show house. "I think the picture show is one of the nicest forms of amusement", Mayor Fuest said. "I hope the community will show its appreciation of this splendid theatre by it patronage. I hope this house will grow and prosper under the management of J.P. Wooten". H. Hobble was the next speaker. "In all communities there are a few man and women who contribute more than others", Mr. Hobble said, "not because they have greater desire to do so than others, but because they have the desire coupled with the opportunity". Mr. Hobble then went on briefly' review the progress along different lines which Liberal has made in the past twenty years. "There is only one feature in which we have not improved during that time", he said, "and that is our people twenty years ago were just as fine as they are today." "Twenty years ago our first show was opened in a little wooden store building. There was no ventilation, no decorations, no music to speak of, no protection against fire, but the people of those days were doing the best they could with what they had at hand". Mr. Hobble told how Henry Tucker after his graduation from Liberal High School started in the show business in 1910 and how his business had developed. Mr. Hobble concluded by paying tribute to the early pioneers from among whom Mr. Tucker cam. " Whatever achievements we are now enjoying", he said, "are the result of the efforts of those brave hearted pioneers who paved the way". With the conclusion of these two addresses the house lights gradually faded into a deep shade of blue and the pictures began. "I Came First", Paramount sound featurette was followed by the Charley Chase comedy, "Fifty Million Husbands". The main picture of the evening was, "The Golden Calf", featuring Jack Mulhall, Sue Carol and El Brendel. The Fox Plaza holds a unique place, being the first strictly modernistic theatre in Kansas. That is will prove one of the leading show houses in the entire southwest goes without saying. |
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Movie House History - Classic
Theaters Of Kansas © 2007 |
