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Electric Theatre
2002 Photo from the Adam Martin collection
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68 E Tabernacle
Saint George UT
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| Record #16692 |
Opened: 1911
Closed: Yes (date unknown)
Current Use:
Demolished:
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Capacity:
Architect(s):
Architectural Style(s):
National Register:
Current Organ: none |
| Also Known As: Gaiety |
| Previously operated by: Westates Theatres |
The Electric Theatre was opened in 1911 and was one of just two places that the people of Saint George could go for entertainment. The other was the Opera House. The walls of the Electric are adobe and are nearly three feet thick. The theater still seats 220, as it did when it opened.
R.M. Reber purchased the theater in 1930 for $10,000. Wanting to rename the theater, he held a contest and offered five dollars to the person who could come up with the best name for the theater. The name "Gaiety" was chosen.
The Gaiety was the first building in Saint George with air conditioning, first water cooled and then refrigerated.
In 1939, the John Wayne and Susan Hayward film The Conqueror was shot in and around Saint George. The daily rushes were viewed at the Gaiety. At that same time, Reber opened up a bowling alley down the street from the theater. Wayne, Hayward and the crew were all present at the grand opening and ready to bowl.
Years later after three renovations, the name "Electric" was restored to the building.
Photos
Photos remain the property of the Member and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Member. |
2002 photos from the Adam Martin collection. 
35 KB 450x300 | 
41 KB 300x450 | 
33 KB 450x300 |
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Last updated 2005-01-23.
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