The Cinema Business in Jewell

     In April 1911, two local entrepreneurs named Miller and Letzenberger rented a building on Jewell’s Main Street, north of the M. J. Severson restaurant, and opened the Unique Theater.   In 1912, the name was changed to the Isis Theater.   In 1916, C. L. Allen sold the Isis Theatre to George H. Peterson, the businessman who operated the Story City cinema called the Grand.

from The Jewell Record, May of 1925: On Friday of last week, the ownership of the Lyric Theatre changed hands, when Mr. Arthur Ziehl, who has been here the past few weeks, sold the business to Mr. D. L. Woodward, from Fort Dodge.   Mr. Woodward is an experienced show man, having sold out recently at Lehigh, where he has had possession of a show six years.   So the people of Jewell and vicinity will undoubtedly be afforded a very good class of the latest and best pictures.   Mr. Woodward is a married man and will move hs wife here in the near future, she being ill at the present time in Fort Dodge, but as soon as she is able, will come to Jewell.  Also, Mr. Woodard's son Ray Woodward and his wife will come to Jewell and assist in the management of the theatre.

     Mr. Zeihl has operated the Lyric just six weeks.   He has given his patrons a uniformly high class of pictures and has materially increased the patronage of the local play house during his short stay here.   Mr. Zeihl is not certain where he will locate in the future, but has several picture house locations in view.

From The Jewell Record, September 17 of 1925: The Strand Theatre, which heretofore has been known as the Lyric, is now under the management of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Fuller.    The appearance of the Strand Theatre is being made very attractive with the woodwork being repainted a deep red, while the metal ceiling is finished in a beautiful gray.

     In 1925, while under the G. D. Maxons, the Lyric Theatre became The Strand Theatre.   During the silent movie era, an organist or piano player provided the sound.   As Maxon’s daughter, Phyllis Maxon Risetter, recalled: “I think the musician was a ‘small person,’ perhaps the sister of the little fellow around town we called ‘Shorty’.”     The Maxons operated a theater in Jewell for many years.   During the 1930s, Maxon’s daughter used a flashlight to usher people to a seat.   At some point Glenn Maxon remodeled the theater by moving the ticket booth to one side and the concessions to the other side.    Nicely refurbished during the remodel, it included space for an orchestra.    He even provided a ‘baby room’ for mothers with tiny ones if they needed a quiet space during the movie.

     In October of 1935, Glenn Maxon, owner of The Strand Theatre, has prepared plans for some fine improvements for the local playhouse.   The improvement planne to be done first is building a marquee or canopy extending out over the sidewalk in front of the theatre.    The other is a change in the front entrance.
 
 

     An important step in the promotion of the many attractions that make Jewell the hub of the South Hamilton area was announced this week by three young men, who with the cooperation of the Chamber of Commerce will re-open the Strand Theatre.   Mike Headley, Bill Bever and Duane Lande have leased the building and equipment, and plan to re-open the theatre after March 15.   Tentative show days include evening performances on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights, with a Sunday matinee plus an all kiddie Saturday afternoon matinee.

     The Jewell theatre, which has been closed since the illness of Glen Maxon, will be re-opened through the cooperation of Mrs. Maxon, who has made the facilities available, plus the assistance of the Chamber of Commerce which will provide help wherever possible.   The three young men have demonstrated their desire to become associated with community activity by making the financial investment necessary to re-open the theatre, and to provide the management and work necessary to keep it in operation.

     To assure the most popular films possible, and to operate the theatre in a manner that will attract patrons, the new operators have made many contacts with other motion picvture exhibitors.   They have obtained many suggestions and plan to run the theatre accordingly.   This professional assistance, combined with the operators' efort and enthusiasm, is here to produce a well run movie house that will show entertaining films which will meet with the public's satisfaction.

     Additional information will be announced prior to the re-opening.   However, an indication of how the theatre's operation will reflect the public's needs and desires is found in the kiddie matinee being planned for Saturday afternoons.   A reduced admission charge will be featured for this matinee, and the films will be those especially selected to appeal to younger children.   Other special showings, promotional activities and show dates will be considered for other segments of the audience in an attempt to make movie entertainment available and attractive to everyone.

     The entire South Hamilton area has felt the loss of the theatre since its closing several months ago.   The re-opening is expected to provide a welcome entertainment outlet.   To assure success of the venture, it is necessary that the new operators receive the full support of everyone throughout the South Hamilton area.

     The operators, the Chamber of Commerce and those who have helped with the theatre re-opening project today are confident of success because of the need, as well as the successful example set by the re-opening of the bowling alley.   If the new operators of the theatre in Jewell receive the same support and consideration as was accorded the bowling alley, the South Hamilton area may look forward to including a movie house among the many and varied attractions the community has to offer.

Back to