Menard County Texas

Menard Movie Theatres

In 1912, C. E. Mauldin brought the first moving picture projecture to Menard and set up his theatre in a circular tent with no top. The first picture shown was "Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde", described as a "three-reel thriller with a murder in each reel"

The first serial shown in the theatre was "The Trey of Hearts." On the night the serial was shown, a heavy rain came up. The spectators sat in the rain, trying to make out the picture.

In the winter, the theatre was moved to a store and later to a building near the old bridge. Maudlin later built the "Star Theatre". (location said to be where City Meat Market was in 1936).

Henry Reeve bought the Star Theatre from Maudlin on April 1, 1923. On January 27, 1927, the reels caught afire and this theatre was completely destroyed.

Mr. Reeve then preceded to build a new theatre and in June of 1927, the present Mission Theatre was opened with the picture, "McFadden Flats," with actor Charles Murray. Lonnie Kirby was the Theatre operator.

When talking pictures came out, Mr. Reeve bought a talking picture projecture and his first talking picture was "The Desert Song." (Source: 1936 Menard Messenger article)

It is my understanding that beyond showing movies, the Mission Theatre stage provided other forms of entertainment for the community such as plays, musicals, etc.

Unfortunately, the Mission Theatre fell on hard times. Purchased for restoration, the owner's circumstances never provided opportunity to complete the proposed project and with continued neglect, the damage to the building was extensive. It had been boarded up, the roof was missing and trees grew in the middle "floor" where customers used to sit.

Always fascinated with this building and it's history, I had never been able to get inside to explore until they began cleaning it up September 2006.

Until I can find someone who has pictures of the Mission Theatre in it's "glory days"....it might be hard to imagine how this old worn down building was such a main part of Menard's past life. But after wandering around the building the first day.........and then coming back after the cleanup.........I could see signs of what a grand place it used to be.

Mission Theatre Now

Menard Drive In

At the present time, I don't have documented information on the construction or owners of the Menard Drive In. It was in Menard when I would visit in the mid 1970's.......but I don't remember when it was closed. When I find this information.............it will be added.

For now, you might want to view the few places online that mention the drive in until I can complete my research.

Texas Escapes

NOTE: While I strive for accuracy in all transcriptions, please be advised that typing errors may be present. I would suggest you always verify my online information with a copy of the actual record.

All contents of this web site are the property of Alicia Brown unless otherwise noted. You are free to copy or print out pieces of information for your personal genealogical research, but nothing on this site may be used in other ways without my permission.

Have a Question or Comment About My Web Site?

Due to the increasing amount of "spam" I'm receiving from email "harvesters", I only publish my email link in jpg form. I am sorry for any inconvenience this might cause you...but I'm really tired of the "advertising trash" that is filling up my email box..

This Page Was Last Updated On:

Saturday, March 22, 2008 11:00 AM