El Raton Theatre
1995 Photo from the Kevin Dennis collection.
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115 N Second St Raton NM 87740 (575) 445-7008
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| Record #1513 |
Opened: April 20, 1930
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Capacity: 500 seats
Architect(s): George Williamson
Architectural Style(s): Atmospheric; Gothic
National Register: 2007
Current Organ: none |
Also Known As: |
Previously operated by: Gibraltar Enterprises |
Information for this tour was contributed by Tom Drake. El Raton closed in 2005, but owner Fran Eigenberg said she is hoping publicity surrounding the [National Register of Historic Places] listing of the 1930 Late Gothic Revival-style theater will renew interest in her economically-challenged town.
"We are so pleased, I am so happy, and I think Raton will be as pleased as I am," she said. El Raton resembles the Moorish-influenced theaters found in much larger cities with its castle towers, crenellated parapet and stage flanked by interior castellated towers and a series of arched, blind arcades across the top of the proscenium.
Eigenberg upgraded the theater with Dolby digital sound, new bathrooms and other amenities for what is the only motion picture theater in town. Never succumbing to corporate ownership, El Raton has always been owned by the Thomas Murphy family, with daughter Fran now at the helm.
"We could open it tonight," she said almost wistfully.
The theatre reopened in 2008. Photos Photos remain the property of the Member and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Member. |
1995 photos from the Kevin Dennis collection.
103 KB · 440x625 |
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Last featured 7/2/2005. Last edited 7/3/2022.
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