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 or pictures for a theater please email me. Let's keep the history of our classic theaters alive!

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Edgerton, Kansas
Electric Theater
 Built some time around the 1900's.
No other history available at this time.

Community Theater
The theater was on the top floor of the Old Grange building, now city hall. The historical society has as old back drop from the theater that they are preserving.
Eldorado, Kansas
Eldorado Theater and Hotel
 Opened in 1920 no other history available at this time.

Star-Vu Drive In Theater
No history available at this time. Opened in 1920 no other history available at this time.

Star-Vu Drive In Theater
One of five operational Drive Ins in this area. Fully operational concession stand. Showing movies for the whole family. Enjoy a family fun evening at the Drive In. No other history available at this time.
Elkhart, Kansas
Doric Theater
Built in 1918 for live stage performances and silent movies.  Dark now for many years, the theatre will once again come to life with the sounds of stage and crew.  Morton County Community Theatre Group has purchased the building. Find out more by following the information links.
Ellsworth, Kansas
Ellsworth Theater
 Opened in 1915 no other history available at this time.

Drive In Theatre (Name Unknown)
No history available at this time.
Emporia, Kansas

Granada FOX Theater
The historic Granada Theatre was constructed in 1929. The 1400-seat capacity made it one of the larger movie palaces in Kansas. It was dedicated on October 3rd, 1929, with an opening speech by the Sage of Emporia, William Allen White. During the early years, the Granada attracted many famous performers and, in addition to screening movies, it was used for everything from beauty contests to traveling vaudeville acts.

Designed by the Boller Brothers of Kansas City, the theatre's exterior was designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, popular during the late 1920's. The stucco-front façade features intricate terra cotta details, including five clowns which provide a theatrical touch.

Like many grand old movie palaces of its era, the Granada's popularity waned during the 60's and 70's and fell to closure in 1982. In April, 1985, the theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, when demolition threatened the building in 1994, a group of citizens rallied to save the Granada.

Electric Theater
Once located at 612 Commercial Street and boasted having the best patronized house in the city which had a seating capacity of 400.

50's Drive In

Located on the west side of town. It set on the west side of the Kansas Turnpike. The screen looked like that it was made out of concrete. There was a base to the screen. I believe that there were some kind of rooms in the base of the screen. They had a lot of neon lights on the highway side of the screen.

Enterprise, Kansas
Buhrer's Opera House
No history available at this time.
Eureka, Kansas
Eureka Cinema
 No history available at this time.

 

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