The Elite theatre promoted itself as a a theater "of independent films and modern methods" (1), and as the only theater in La Grande showing "licensed" films from Vitagraph, Essanay, and Edison (2). Charles E. King, who was the music director of the Isis Theatre, was also the music director and manager of the Elite while it was in business (3).
The Elite always showed at least four films, with an occasional illustrated song by Mrs. Sinclair (4) (5). Ticket prices from 10-25 cents for adults and five cents for children.
In early March the Elite changed hands, and was taken over by Mrs. Murphy, Mrs. Swaney, and Mrs. Sinclair, who only a few days after taking over, painted a new screen for the theater (6).
In late July 1912, the Elite began offering matinee showings, as well as offering candy to children who came to the matinee showing on Wednesday and Saturday (7).
The Elite only lasted for eight months until the owners decided to close it down and go to work at Sherry's Theatre (8).
