Our Past Is Present April 24, 2018

April 24, 2018

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            We have been sharing about the history of the C.L. Hoover Opera House in honor of the 120^th Anniversary of that building.  We have had stories about early shows, which tended to be about minstrels and last week we had a story about a matinee concert given by John Phillips Sousa on Friday, October 7, 1904. Today’s information came from the Junction City Union newspaper dated February 7, 1941. “The article stated that plans have been completed for remodeling of the old Opera House into a modern, deluxe theatre and actual construction work will be started within the next two weeks."  This was according to Dan James of Oklahoma City, who had purchased the building.

            The new theatre is to be known as the “Colonial”.  It was said that this theme will be carried out in the remodeling of the building.  Tentative plans have been made to finish the entire exterior of the building in white. 

            Mr. James, head of Mid-West Theatres, Inc. is the owner and operator of the Black Hotel in Oklahoma City and is financially interested in hotel and theatre properties in Louisiana and Arkansas.  The new theatre is to be equipped with 1,000 upholstered seats, a washed-air cooling system and the latest Western Electric sound equipment.  Ample space is to be provided for a general lounge and restrooms.  An interesting sidelight on the construction is that the old City Hall town clock, for many years a land mark and an institution in Junction City, will be renovated.  The clock and bell will be continued in daily use as they have been for many years.  The theatre is expected to be completed (Tuesday) April 15.” (1941). And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.