County of theater: Callaway County
Location of theater: W. 6th St. & Nichols St., Fulton
Built: 1917
Closed: about 1957
"12 W. 6" Street, c. 1917. This two story building has been greatly altered. Two brick
'lowers" blank a slightly shorter center bay. The center bay is covered in vertical wood
siding and a picture window has been installed in the second floor. The storefront also has
vertical wood siding along the kickplate and modern doors and display windows. This
building was originally the Gem Theatre. [NC]" ~ NRHP Nomination Form
"The Gem Theatre was opened c.1915 and was operated by Henry Luther Crockett, an actor. He named the theatre after his mother, Grace Edris Martland (GEM). This information came from his son Tom Crockett.
The Gem Theatre operated until at least 1957, when it had become part of the Commonwealth Amusement chain." ~ Cinema Treasures
"By 1921, the Gem was being operated by J. R. Pratt, owner of Pratt’s Theatre. Pratt’s Theatre was primarily a live house but sometimes showed movies. The August 7, 1920, issue of Exhibitors Herald mentioned both houses in one item:
“The Pratt and Gem theatres at Fulton. Mo., are both strong on the star productions. Both change programs daily.
Story is preferred.”' ~ Joe Vogel in Cinema Treasures
"The Gem Theatre was still listed as open in 1957 with 500 seats. The address is 12 W. 6th Street, Fulton, MO. 65251" ~ Chris1982 on Cinema Treasure