| USA > Washington > Centralia > Society and Culture > History > Historic Buildings |
 |
Fox TheaterCirca 1930 |
The Fox Theater has been a fixture in downtown Centralia since it opened in September 1930. The Fox showcased first-run films, Fox Movietone newsreels and the best-known vaudeville performers of the day. It was billed as the finest playhouse between Portland and Seattle.
The design of the building reflects the economic atmosphere of the time of construction, somewhat austere and simple in ornamentation, yet elegant. The exterior brick of varied colors still presents angular geometric forms, accented by verical lines. The exterior south wall is the base for three of the dozen histick murals found throughout Centralia. The high west wall of the fly space still shows the motto "The Last Word in Talking Picture Entertainment!" Inside, the proscenium, which remains in its original form, features carvings and gold-leaf overlay. Though a bit shallow for elaborate dramatic productions, the stage still has all the hardware and fly space rigging need for live performances. Chandeliers hanging from the 35-foot high ceiling are a star-burst design with brightly colored flares radiating from the center. Although the last movie was shown in 1998 before the theater closed, it has since been purchased by Opera Pacifica and is undergoing restoration. Two live performances have been held there since the summer of 2004 with more scheduled.
| Location | 119 South Tower Ave Centralia Washington |
