Comments from klassiter415

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klassiter415
klassiter415 commented about Imperial Theatre on Aug 17, 2009 at 5:11 pm

The building that housed the Rex Theatre is still standing, but is in bad shape. A new roof replaced the old flat type roof several years back.

klassiter415
klassiter415 commented about Imperial Theatre on Aug 17, 2009 at 5:07 pm

My Great-Grandfathr, Richmond Emmett Noel, owned and built the Rex Theatre in 1928. He had two houses he owned, that faced Experiment Street, moved back to face N 14th Street behind the theatre. The Rex opened for business in late 1928 or early 1929. I remember watching many westerns, horror flicks and disney movies at the Rex while growing up in the 1960’s. It had a nice lobby with restrooms and concessions. Stairs led up to the projector room. I thinki the old wooden chairs were upgraded with cushioned chairs. Ownership passed to his wife, Katie Odessa Wesley, upon his death in 1938. It would pass on to their son, James Wesley Noel, in 1942. He would sell the theatre several years later. I think it closed in the late 1970’s or early 1980’s.