Old Central Texas Theaters
69Going to the theater as a kid or teenager builds such vivid memories. It's like remembering where you were when you first heard a song. The smell of the popcorn and the upholstery in old musky theaters is forever implanted in your mind. Growing up in central Texas, around the Waco area, I've seen a lot of changes to the theaters over the last 30 years. All the theaters I went to growing up are now either completely demolished without any visible trace of them left, or they remain standing in much needed repair.
As a kid into my teenage years, I remember seeing movies at:
- The Lake Air Drive-In- I was very young watching a movie at this theater in the backseat of our car with my parents. This is now the site of the Richland Mall.
- The Circle Drive-In- Open from 1947-1982. I remember seeing the Drew Barrymore movie "Firestarter" at this theater. This site is now the home of an insurance company and Treasure City Flea Market.
- The Joy Drive-Inn- I saw many movies at this theater in Bellmead, Texas on the Old Dallas Highway. I remember seeing "Rabid" there. This site now overgrown with trees and shrubs.
- The local indoor theaters back then were the Ivy Twin Cinema at Baylor, the Lake Air Cinema next door to the Lake Air Mall, the Diamond Point Theater at the end of Valley Mills Drive. The Diamond Point Theater opened in October 1974 and was the first multi-screen theater in Waco.
25th Street Theater in Waco, Texas
The very first movie I recall seeing in the historic 25th Street Theater in Waco, Texas was "Island of the Blue Dolphins". Since the movie came out in 1964, I'm assuming what I saw was a re-release since it would have meant I was 2 years old when I saw it. Although, I do remember some events when I was 2, I don't think I am remembering this movie from being 2, but perhaps I am.
The second movie I remember seeing at this theater was "Ode to Billy Joe" with Robby Benson. I went to this movie in 1976 with two girlfriends in the summer before I turned 14. What I didn't realize until I was researching the years on these movies was that Max Baer Jr. was the producer and director for "Ode to Billy Joe". Max Baer was best known as Jethro on the "The Beverly Hillbillies".
The very first movie my first husband and I saw together on a date at the 25th Street Theater was "Star Wars". "Star Wars" ran for 14 weeks at this theater in the summer of 1977.
Some brief facts about the 25th Street Theater in Waco, Texas:
Construction Began on the Theater in 1944
Opened in November 29, 1945 with a showing of the musical "Thrill of Romance" with Van Johnson & Ester Williams. Admission was 40 cents on the weekend and 30 cents for weekday matinees. Children were 12 cents.
Originally had 780 seats but was reduced to 646 after the screen was enlarged twice
Was a big deal in its day, with air conditioning and state of the art sound equipment
The Roman Charioteers Murals found on the interior walls was designed by Eugene Gilbo.
It is rumored that Elvis Presley snuck in to watch a movie here on one of his many visits to Waco while he was stationed in Ft. Hood, Tx in the 50s.
Closed in July 1982 after the development of local malls and multiplex theaters took over Waco. The last movie shown was the re-release of Walt Disney's "Bambi".
Had the first THX Sound System in Waco
The only 70 mm screen Waco has ever had.
It was renovated and reopened Labor Day weekend 1986 as a progressive nightclub with state of the art light, sound and video system, 32 ft video screen, dance floor, 2 bars, Class 4 Argon Laser light system, robotic trussing and own TV show called "The 25th Dimension".
Closed again in 1992.
Best Theatre in West, Texas
The Best Theatre in West, Texas
There's really not much I can personally add about this theater other than what you see on the plaque that is displayed in front of it. I've never been inside, although the place has intrigued me for over 25 years. If you've read some of my archectectural-related hubs, you'll understand how much buildings like this "whisper" to me. They have so much hidden within their walls that I long to know about. I'd love to hear from anyone in the Central Texas area that knows anything about this theater.
In April 2010, it was announced that remodeling has begun on the Best Theater as part of The Main Street program in the town of West, Texas.
Great Links about Theaters
- Drive-ins.com - Last Drive-In Picture Show
Drive-ins.com: Last Drive-In Picture Show in Gatesville, Texas - 2 Waco Drive-In Theaters
A few photos of the Circle Drive-In Theater in Waco, Texas near the circle and the Joy Drive-In in Bellmead, Texas. - Texas Theatres, Picture Shows, Movie Houses, a Gallery of Photos.
Texas Theatres, Picture Shows, Movie Houses, Billy Smith's Texas Theaters Photo Collection featured in Texas Escapes' Texas Theatres Series. - Flickr: Vanishing Movie Theaters' Photostream
Over 1500 Photos of old Movie Theaters, primarily around Texas - 2007 Article in the Baylor Lariat about the 25th St Theater
- Cinema Treasures
Non-profit website dedicated to saving classic movie theaters. Includes theater info, news, photographs, virtual tours, message boards, and more.
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You're welcome, Smireles! I remember my dad always asking my mom to whip us up some popcorn to take with us. My dad always thought popcorn made on the stove at home was better and cheaper. Yes, that's true, dad, but did it occur to you that the popcorn would be COLD by the time we got it to the movie and the movie started? LOL
You sure bring back some memories. I suspect that we remember those old theaters a bit better than they actually were.
I still remember the film getting off track and the images fluttering while the attendant tried to get things back on track.
When I have gone back to where I grew up I am amazed at how "run down" things are now. I know some of it is age but I also suspect that I had a more romantic image of how things were.
One thing I am certain of is that life was much simpler and we were probably a lot more content with life back then.
Thanks John. You're right. I think part of what makes things change over time, is the growth of trees and bushes. When you give each of them 30 years to grow, they seem to overtake things. I found this particularly noticeable on a road my school bus used to travel down as a kid. I remember thinking I don't remember this road being so narrow. It wasn't as a kid. The trees have grown on both sides adding to the illusion of the road shrinking.
I keep reminding my teenage daughter that someday she'll be looking back at things in the same way. She's already seeing changes. It's cool though.
I really have an affinity for theaters. I remember when I was a kid, I wanted to go and see, "Return of the Jedi" with my brother, but my mom refused and told me I was too young! I finally forgave my mom for it when it was re-released when I was in college!
Though nothing close as your theaters, there still is an awesome vintage theater where I grew up that is still operational. They've kept up with the upkeep (lol) and the only thing they really changed was that they divided the huge theater in two. Great memories. Thanks, Big Country.
You're welcome Dohn! Thank you for stopping by and adding your Jedi memory! Maybe you can write a theater hub?
Going to the movies is a great escape! I used to walk 20 miles (return) as a teenager to go to the movies for a couple of bucks and a small popcorn I recall was about 35 cents. It was a wonderful way to spend my hard earned baby sitting money, an hour paid for my popcorn! That was in the /60s and doesn't seem as though it was that long ago.
A lot has changed since then though. My husband, daughter and I went to a matinee movie recently. It cost $17.25 to get in. Then I bought 1 large drink and 1 small buttered popcorn. The drink & popcorn were $10.00. Almost $30 for a matinee movie.
Thanks for stopping by and adding your memories Carmen!
What a wonderful hub to read, KCC! My mom and dad used to pile my brother and I into our station wagon, and head out to the drive-in--it was so much fun. My mom for several years kept us "under 12" years old, so we could get in free, lol.
I went to my first cinema when I was about 16--I saw "Jaws", and was scared silly! But I'll never forget how fascinated I was by that old, single movie cinema...
Around here, most of the drive-ins are gone--only one remains, that I know of. But there are a few of the small cinemas still around in neighboring towns, which is kinda neat!
Anyway, thanks for the memories(as Bob Hope would say, lol)...it was great! :)
I'm so glad it brought back some memories for you too,TamCor! And thank you for sharing them!
Jim Tobola,owner of the Best in West, was my "Pop", grandpa. What a memory treasure! In my collection of pictures, there's one of "Pop", as a young man standing proudly in front of his BEST!
Carolyn, I would love to have more information about your grandfather's theater! Anything you'd like to share about the theater, including photos would be great. I'll add them here. If you have a lot of info, I could actually dedicate an entire hub (article) to just that. Email me by clicking on the "Contact KCC Big Country" in the upper right-hand corner under the monkey avatar. I'd love to hear from you!
I am one of the founders of McLennan County Paranormal Investigations and we will be doing a Ghost Hunt in the Best Theater in West Texas sometimes in March 11. Would you like to tag along and see what turns up? Also would want to know if you have any additional information about the theater that will help us in research?
Without a doubt or hesitation, YES! I will see what other info I can get. I'll contact Carolyn (see above).
The Best Theater is being investigated by the McLennan County Paranormal team tonight. They have been tweeting live while on location. Wish I could have gone along.
i have bought the old Ridglea Theater in Fort Worth , and it is going to be a National Registry property......i am looking for old Texas theater pics to frame, and maybe blow up , to decorate the office and retail center.
Jerry
How exciting, Jerry! Decorating with old Texas theater pics is great idea too!
We had an interesting investigation. Heard boots walking upstairs where there is no upstairs. Recorded the sound of spurs walking across the floor, gunshot,billiards breaking,the sound of an old time piano, and a lot of spirit voices. Also all saw a shadow of what looked like a child. Very interesting place.
Where was the Waco theater?
Smireles Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago
This was a walk down memory lane. I remember most the drive in theaters of my childhood. This was fun. Thanks!