Texan Theater

The Texan Theater was opened by Griffith Circuit of Oklahoma City,
along with Harry Lowenstien of Ardmore, October, 7, 1931 at 300 East
California.
Equipped with 304 seating, it was opened in what had earlier been the
Palace Theater.
The Palace was actually opened across the street in October 1924 by
S. Bertram, and J. H. Thiesen, but after a big fire damaged the show
place in 1927, the two moved the theater across the street.
The Palace bit the dust in early 1931, but within 6 months, the place
was refurbished, and opened as the Texan, October, 7 1931.
Joe Poole was named first manager, but within a couple months Foster
Lyman took over operations.
A. V. Wade purchased the Texan in 1935, and operated the theater for
the next 11 years.
The Texan met the end in June 1946, but just before Christmas a huge
celebration took place when L. C. Dennis reopened, and renamed it the
Dennis.
The Dennis was very popular during its 6 years in operation.
E. W. Capps pulled down the Dennis Marquee on January 21, 1953, and
put up its last one, Chief.
The Chief met headon with progress, on April, 30, 1955, which ended
its three decades of being one of Gainsvilles popular show houses.
During its time, it was known as Palace, Texan, Dennis, and Chief.
The Wades came to town in 1924, and during their reign operated the
Majestic, Cozy, Lyric, Plaza, Texan, Ritz, and their prize State.
L. C. Dennis also opearated the Rio, Star, HiHo Drive In, and Rio at
Collinsville.
I will be putting up the history of the other Gainsville Theaters.
Many of them were the same, but had only name changes.
Majestic, Isis, Liberty, Electric Air Dome.
Billy Holcomb, Denison, Texas
which would be its final handle.

A view from 1948 of the Dennis Theater along with a moviead from 1948.

Ad for June 19, 1936 reboot as the Texan Theatre with Tom Tyler in “Silent Valley.”