The Dalles, Oregon sits quaintly and majestically within the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. With a population of roughly 16,000, the city has charm, character, and, of course, a deep love for history and tradition. The Dalles, previously known as "Dalles City," became officially incorporated in January of 1857, deeming it one of the oldest permanently occupied cities in the state of Oregon. The Dalles served as a major endpoint for wagons on the Oregon Trail, and continues to spread history and share stories to this day.
On Christmas Day, 1929, The Dalles, Oregon gained a new and highly important aspect of its cities history, The Granada Theatre. 1929 brought excitement to the city, and an architect by the name of William A. Cutts brought the blueprints. Cutts designed approximately 60 theaters for the Universal Film Corporation. The owner of the building at the time was a man named M.R. Matthew, who paid $125,000 to have The Granada built. The original building and style was a moorish revival architecture, complete with plaster, dramatic arches, tall windows, and tile roof. These styles of buildings, particularly for theaters, were very popular, and drew in audiences for years to come. The signage from 1929 was simple but grandiose, and made it an easy landmark for passersby to spot and become enthralled with. The theater featured a live organ for musical accompaniment, and is rumored to be the very first theater West of the Mississippi to run "talkies."
The Granada Theatre, featured proudly in the Dalles Historic District, boasts a very dramatic and thrilling backstory and personal history. After the theater was born in 1929, it was successful and films were incredibly popular. It was the place to be in the city at the time. The first ever film to screen at the theater was Rio Rita, which was a 1928 musical. Fast forward to the 1950s, and The Granada gets a makeover! The plan was an art deco, revamped and exciting look. This makeover included a snack bar, an exterior ticket office, and a flashy neon new marquee, which remains at the theater to this day. The Granada continued to do well, remain popular, and thrive in the city.
Fast forwarding into the early 1990s, The Granada Theater closed down due to a lack of attendance, and a lack of funds. Luckily, by 1996, the theater reopened as a venue for new talents such as live performances, as well as films. By the early 2000s, The Granada closes yet again, with little explanation as to why. In 2017, The Granada Theatre sees something it has needed for years, new owners. Deborah Liddell and her husband Chuck Gomez purchase the theater with excitement and high hopes. The couple owns another theater in Watseka, Illinois, The Watseka Theatre. The couple planned to reopen The Granada as more of a live music venue, but films are still shown and celebrated at The Granada to this day. The theater got a remodel, and a much needed dusting, and was thrillingly reopened in early 2025. To this day, the theater shows live music performances, community talent acts, classic films, and even still silent films with organ accompaniment.
The Granada Theatre still has wide open doors and when you take a look inside, you can easily see the history, the magic, and the memories that this theater holds. The Granada is the only theater in The Dalles now, as the other theater, The Columbia, closed in 2025 due to low attendance rates and industry changes. This left The Granada to stand alone, and ultimately hold down the theater culture in The Dalles, Oregon.
