Fox Theater - Walsenburg, CO
Posted by: 
beagle39z
N 37° 37.321 W 104° 46.805
13S E 519406 N 4163901
The FOX theater, located at 715 Main Street, Walsenburg, CO 81089,
hosts many fine events such as the amazing el fandango dancers and the Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival.
In addition you can watch a first run movie on any weekend
Waymark Code: WM6M34
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 06/18/2009
Views: 9
The original name of the theatre, Star, was designed by the Trinidad Firm of I.H. and W.M. Rapp for Paul Krier in 1916. It opened on July 24, 1917. The Walsenburg World newspaper commented, "Besides being a high-class picture show-house, the Star is now Walsenburg's largest and best equipped hall for plays, vaudeville or conventions."
A Wurlitzer-Hope Jones pipe organ was installed in 1923. In July 1929, talking pictures were introduced, the interior redecorated into a Spanish theme and in August 1929 is was renamed the Valencia. One month later the Fox West Coast Theatre Corp. purchased the theatre and the name was changed to Fox-Valencia. In 1941 the building received a thorough remodeling including an Art Deco facade and became the Fox. The theatre was closed in 1987.
After a major grant-funded renovation, the theatre reopened in 1992 under the auspices of the Huerfano Youth and Arts Foundation under the direction of George Birrer. It continues to hold stage performances and on weekends shows motion pictures.
The interior is in very good condition. Years ago the pipe organ was given to the local Catholic church. A few years ago it was returned to the theatre and awaits funds to restore it. The marquee still has a vertical "Fox" sign.
Contributed by Ken Fletcher
The 1941 edition of Film Daily Yearbook lists the Valencia Theatre with a seating capacity of 684 and operated by Fox Intermountain Theaters Inc. In the 1943 edition of F.D.Y. it has been re-named Fox Theatre with a seating capacity of 669. Same details apply in 1950 but with a seating capacity given as 616 and still operated by Fox Intermountain Theaters Inc.
posted by KenRoe on Aug 17, 2006 at 12:10am
Credit for Fox Theater - 1984 photo: posted by Lost Memory on May 24, 2009 at 10:08am
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