The Eltrym Theater's Art Deco Style

The Eltrym Theater was built on the corner of Valley and First streets in Baker City in 1940 in an Art Deco style. The building was designed by Vancouver, WA architect Day W. Hilborn, who was known in the Northwest for designing many Art Deco style theaters such as the Kiggins Theater in Vancouver, the Cameo in Newburg, and the Sellwood in Portland. The Eltrym is distinct for its blue and pink pastel color scheme, which has remained largely unchanged since the theater was built and is present both interior and exterior. Hilborn aimed to mix cool and warm colors throughout the theater. At the time of its construction, it had red carpeting and seats of ‘coral leather.’ The theater is 58 feet wide and 100 feet in length, with a capacity of 700. The designs also include room to add a 300 person balcony if crowds were larger than expected. In front of the screen, there is a stage designed large enough to attract road shows and present local theater performances. There are no stairs leading to the stage, only ramps.  It was built with fluorescent carpeting that is lit up by black light. This feature was rare for theaters outside of major cities during this time, and in a June 1940 newspaper article Hilborn said, “We have here a building that would be a credit to Portland or other large cities.” It was built by A. Ritchie & Company starting in January 1940 and cost $70,000. In 1998 the theater was remodeled from a single screen to a triplex, and by 2003 it had installed stadium seating.