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Maxwell Helmbrecht
mhelmbre
May
21
2026

The Salem Drive-In Theatre - Amenities

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Maxwell Helmbrecht
mhelmbre
21 May 2026

Four days before the Salem Drive-In Theatre opened for business in 1948, an article was published in Salem’s Capital Journal announcing its opening night plans but also detailing the theatre in full. 

 

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luls
luls
May
21
2026

Mt. Hood Theatre: A Theatre for Every Childhood

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luls
luls
21 May 2026

Mt. Hood Theatre has always been an important place for entertainment in Gresham, Oregon. For many years, Mt.

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efarren3
efarren3
May
21
2026

Kennedy School Theater's "Baby Blockbusters"

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efarren3
efarren3
21 May 2026

Right next to the Prices page for The Kennedy School Theater, immediately standing out under the banner "Movie Specials" lay details for the theater's notable and unique approach to children at the movies. The theater's "Baby Blockbusters" advertise lower volumes and brighter interior lighting, as well as a relaxed attitude towards what would usually be socially unacceptable moviegoing practices, like breastfeeding or loud, unruly babies.

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isaav
isaav
May
21
2026

The Eltrym Theater's Art Deco Style

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isaav
isaav
21 May 2026

The Eltrym Theater was built on the corner of Valle

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brust
brust
May
21
2026

Pine Motor Theater Crime

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brust
brust
21 May 2026

Like many drive-in theaters, the Pine Motor Drive-in faced its fair share of criminal activity and legal troubles. 1953 was a notable moment in this area of the drive-in's history. In April 18-year-old Cleo Richard Wigget was arrested on the basis of a "prank," which consisted of throwing pies at attendees. He was held in the county jail after not being able to pay the $50 fine he was charged with for disorderly conduct. In June of the same year, there were two notable cases which involved the theater.

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paigemicklich
micklich
May
20
2026

Advertisements for The Old Trail Drive-In

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paigemicklich
micklich
20 May 2026

The only way I have been able to learn about The Old Trail Drive-In was through 

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epalmer2
epalmer2
May
20
2026

Prize-Fight Film Censorship

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epalmer2
epalmer2
20 May 2026

The sport of boxing became legal in most states in the 1920s and became particularly popular in the United States in the 1950s. Its rise in popularity led to increases in boxing match screenings in movie theatres.

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nickhend
nickhend
May
18
2026

The Aloha Theater. From Warehouse to Cinema

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nickhend
nickhend
18 May 2026

The Aloha Theater actually began as a warehouse. It was a mettle Quonset hut used to store motor vehicle parts. When the theater was purchased to be renovated into a theater the owners simply built a theater façade onto the hut giving it the traditional cinema curb appeal with glowing marque. However if you venture to the side or around back of the building you will find the Quonset hut still remains. Part of the façade that was constructed was the projector room itself which did not have an interior access door.

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nadinne
nadinne
May
18
2026

Granada Theatre - blog 2

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nadinne
nadinne
18 May 2026

Francis A. Greulich, also known as “Gus” Greulich, was a very important figure in the history of movie theaters in La Grande from the 1920s through the 1950s. He was a businessman and owner of several theaters in the city, especially the Granada Theatre, the Liberty Theatre, and later the La Grande Drive-In.

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Avery Horne
averh
May
18
2026

Reception of Adult Films at Cinema 21

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Avery Horne
averh
18 May 2026

While there are many qualities that make Cinema 21 unique, it is most well-known for its programming. By showing primarily independent, foreign, and historic films, they have built a reputation for exhibiting movies outside the norm. This is not a new aspect of the theater, and was, in fact, even more risqué in the past. Throughout its existence, the theater has undergone many name changes, but have been consistent in premiering films that you could see nowhere else.

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About This Project

What is the Oregon Theater Project?

The Oregon Theater Project provides a historical sketch of movie theaters in Oregon from the beginning of cinema at the end of the 19th century through the "silent era" (1896-1930). The website aims to document the history of moviegoing in Oregon–why people went to the movies, where people watched them, and what people thought about them. Movie theaters were often a vital part of the social and economic life within communities, and movies were available in towns of all sizes throughout Oregon.

Latest Research Posts

Community at the Sunset - Jonathan Down (Blog Post 2)

 One thing has become clear to me while researching the Sunset Drive-in Theater, and…

Jun 8, 2026
- 0 comments

Programming at the Guild theater

The programming at The Guild Theater has changed a lot over the years. At the…

Jun 3, 2026
- 0 comments

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