The Star Theater, later named the Grove Theater, was initially owned and operated by Forest Grove’s local businessmen, Fred A. Watrous (6) and his brother-in-law, Carl Hoffman. The first theater Fred Watrous owned, The Scenic, only lasted about 3 and a half years but was a major fire hazard due to poor ventilation and wooden seats (5). The Scenic later moved locations in 1912 and was renamed The Star Theater. The theater showcased motion pictures and began showing live-action vaudeville performances in 1916. Not too long after the Star was established, Fred Watrous also purchased the confectionary next door to the theater from R.A. Phelps in November 1912 and named it the Star Confectionery. The theater and confectionery were often advertised in tandem, encouraging locals to visit both businesses. The Star Confectionery was later sold in March 1914 to M.F. Derting (4). Carl Hoffman sold his share of the theater to Fred Watrous, though it appears he still remained a part of the business in a management position for many years following (2). In 1915, Watrous decided to sell his shares to Hoffman to focus on his McMinnville theater and eventually returned to the Star Theater in 1917 (11).
Photo courtesy of FHFG
Photo from Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society (6)
The Waldrous family sold the theater business and equipment to Arthur B. Caples while still owning the building in 1926. Only a few years later in 1930, A.B. Caples brought sound films to the Star Theater. He had planned a double feature of "Hell's Island" and "Dawn Patrol" for the grand reveal. However, renovation delays caused a change in the program and the first film with sound exhibited in the theater was "Let Us Be Gay" (7). Unfortunately, the talkies didn't pan out to be as popular as expected and there was concern over the revenues not being able to cover the higher expenses for the new equipment (7). Not only did Caples introduce sound films to the town, but he also changed the name of the theater to the Grove in 1935 (10).
The theater was a very popular attraction that played a variety of movies. The theater showed a wide range of movie genres including comedies and war films. It even had live productions and hosted events such as lectures and music performances. The Watrous family eventually came back again to run the theater in addition to the Tip Top restaurant right next door (8). When Don Watrous took over running the theater, he was known for inviting kids to see the projection room and giving out free tickets to folks who couldn't afford to pay (12). Some of the kids even referred to him as "Old Man Watrous" (9).
Photo courtesy of FHFG
The theater had its last showing on July 2nd, 1961 where it exhibited a double feature including "Brides of Dracula" and "Ferry to Hong Kong" (10). A few years later in 1965, the theater was repurposed as a community theater (1). The name was changed to Theatre in the Grove and is still running and exhibiting local plays to this day.
