Mt. Hood Theatre has been an important part of the community for decades, changing owners while keeping a focus on creating a welcoming experience for all moviegoers.
The original owners of Mt. Hood Theatre were Henry and Rose Moyer. The Moyers hired contractor Ronald Hasselman and architect J.W. DeYoung to design the building. The theatre cost about $100,000 to build, which was considered a large investment at the time.
What was originally known as the Hood Theatre officially opened on June 2, 1950. The Eagle and the Hawk was the opening film. The theatre had one screen and seated about 800 people, making it one of the largest theatres in the area. From the beginning, the Moyers focused on making the moviegoing experience as comfortable as possible.
The owners have always prioritized the people who choose to come to their theatre. At a time when accessibility was not always common, the theatre was equipped with hearing aids. The owners also created special experiences for guests. In an advertisement for the 1967 film Wait Until Dark, the theatre promised to darken the lights to the legal limit to heighten the terror.
In 1999, the theatre was sold to Robert and Marjorie Wills. A few years later, in 2002, the theatre was sold to current owner Lance Tillotson. Although ownership has changed throughout the years, children’s and family entertainment has remained a priority. The theatre continues this tradition by offering seasonal passes to students.
