The Star Theater opened on June 1st, 1912, and became Oregon City's first dedicated movie theater. Originally contracted and run by George Simmons, the theater stood on the corner of Eighth and Main Street. Reported as seating 300, the theater was often advertised as being fireproof. (1)
Sometime around late December of 1912, ownership of the theater was transferred to Lawrence Ruconich, with the prior theater pianist, Frank Murphy, being promoted to manager. (3)
The Star Theater eventually closed sometime in the 1950s, with the original building still standing today on the corner of 8th and Main, now as a pub. (5)
In the standard practice of theaters of this era, the Star focused its programming on vaudeville performances. Shows were accompanied by live music courtesy of pianist Frank Murphy. In the later teens, the theater was also often used for speeches and high school production plays. (2)
Again, at some point in late 1913, ownership of the theater was transferred, now to Oregon City Councilman William A. Long, who is often misattributed as opening the theater. This is likely due to Long's success as a theater operator with Oregon City's later, larger theater, the Liberty. (4)
