The Unique Theater, later renamed to the Hiland Theater, played a significant role in the cultural life of Myrtle Point, Oregon. With its grand opening on January 30th, 1925, admission prices were set at 40 cents for adults and 10 cents for children, however, these admission prices were later increased to 50 cents for adults by 1930. For its opening night, Roy Duncan, a regular organist at the Edwards Theater, performed on the venue’s American Photoplayer, a piano specially designed to create sound effects and music for silent movies. Duncan later returned in March of the same year to play the organ again. The theater had a seating capacity of 650 and was originally managed by Edgar Allen Dodge.
Throughout its history, the theater hosted a variety of events beyond traditional film screenings. On March 8, 1961, it screened Time and Two Women, an educational film about cervical cancer. This film heavily emphasized the importance of early detection and featured an on-site physician for audience engagement. In May 1955, the theater held a midnight screening for graduating seniors from Myrtle Point High School. Additionally, Hiland Theater played a role in community celebrations, such as the Armistice Day festivities on November 21, 1926, which featured former service members in uniform and a performance by the Myrtle Point Band at 10:45 a.m.
Today, the building is now used by the Foursquare Gospel Church. The original theater seats have been removed, and the floor has been leveled to accommodate for its new tenants. However, church members have stated that long-term plans include restoring the theater’s exterior and eventually screening movies once a week, maintaining a connection to its cinematic past.
