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Fox Theatre


Photo from the Ken Layton collection.
119 S Tower Ave
Centralia WA 98531

Closed Live Theatre
Record #2481  
 Opened: September 5, 1930
 Closed: 1998
 Current Use:
 Demolished:
Capacity:
Architect(s): Frank Wynkoop
Architectural Style(s): Art Deco
National Register:
Current Organ: none
 Also Known As:
 Previously operated by: Fox West Coast Theatres, Twin City Theatres, Lewis County Enterprises, Shearer Theatres, Centralia Amusement Company, Tom Moyer Theatres, Luxury Theatres, Act III Theatres, Regal Cinemas

Information for this tour was contributed by Michael Houser.

The three-level theater was built in 1930 in the heart of the city by Fox West Coast Theaters at a cost of $200,000. On opening night, September 5, 1930, patrons entered an 'ultra-modern' golden toned palace to view the Pacific Coast premier of Buster Keaton in Dough Boys. Plush carpets on curved stairs, a lounge room, 1200 leather loge seats, a full sized pipe organ, custom lighting fixtures and a state-of-the-art stage equipped with the largest 'Magnascopic' screen and highest quality Western Electric sound system on the west coast greeted those who passed through its marbled entry to purchase their 50 and 75 cent tickets.

The Art Deco Theater was designed by Frank Wynkoop who worked in the office of Robert Reamer. Its oversized plated doors were a technological wonder at the time. The Fox Theater was remodeled in 1982. The interior was partitioned into a three-screen cinema with soundproofing, air conditioning, and high-back lounge chairs. Many of the customized features of the 1930s were removed or covered with walls and drapes, but the original Tiffany & Company ceiling lights remain in place. The theater closed in 1998.

 Photos
 Photos remain the property of the Member and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Member.

August 2013 photos from the Dave Felthous collection.


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January 2010 photos from the Dave Felthous collection.


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May 2008 photos from the Matt Lutthans collection.


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December 2003 photos from the Matt Lutthans collection.


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January 2003 photos from the Michael Houser collection.


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June 1994 photos from the Ken Layton collection.


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 External Links

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Last featured 1/23/2005. Last edited 1/13/2024.


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