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

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Temple Theater
The theater was a renovated storefront in the lower floor of an old upstairs opera house. A party by the name of Newbold did a major redevelopment some time in late 1930s, taking in the second floor for a balcony and installing new seating, the latest Brenkert projectors, RCA dual amp sound system and the latest in remote controlled evaporative cooling.

HC Lower and his wife purchased it in late 1949 and in late 1950 made some major changes, redecorating and bringing it up to the time with modern colors and decor.

The theater (and Y/C Drive-In) was sold to a Mr. and Mrs. Davis shortly after the drive-in was built. He passed away within a year, but she continued to operate both theaters for many years before selling and retiring.

Several owners followed, including the City, which used part of the building for a senior center. The City removed the seats from the Temple and sold the building to someone who removed and sold the projection equipment.

Both theaters ceased to operate around 1980. The Victorian facade was removed along with the marquee at that time. No other history available at this time.

Yates Center Drive In
Opened in March 1953 by Mr. and Mrs. HC Lower on ten acres west of the city. Sold in short order (along with the Temple Theatre) to a Mr. and Mrs. Davis. Mr. Davis died within a year and she continued to operate both theaters for many years. The theater finally closed around 1980 and is now a salvage yard.