By KAREN MADORIN
Following the unfortunate fire that destroyed the Garden Theatre, local entrepreneur Carroll Bartlett Kelly purchased two lots and rebuilt the theatre in WaKeeney.
Business sense ran in this family that arrived in the newly established community in 1879. According to the Western Kansas World, C.B.’s grandfather “engaged in the hardware business, the firm known as Kelly and Walker, one of the first business establishments in the town.”
Prior to young C.B.’s military service in World War I and after his return, he worked in the family-owned Star Grocery. In the 1920s, he managed the Garden Theatre in addition to holding other jobs.
During his military enlistment, young Kelly served on the Mexican border and later in France as an Infantry 2nd Lieutenant. Seriously wounded in France, C.B. required four years of treatment in American service hospitals following WWI. After returning to WaKeeney, he served as postmaster from 1924 until 1936, according to his obituary. Overcoming serious injuries, he served his home community until his death in 1951.
C.B.’s can-do attitude guided the rebuild of the local movie house, renamed the Kelly Theatre. The Western Kansas World said the new facility, which officially opened on November 7, 1929 was constructed using 125 x 38 feet of fireproof brick and tile and included 540 spring-bottom upholstered seats that filled the main floor, with another 60 in the balcony. A wine-colored satin curtain fronted the 20 x 38-foot stage. The basement contained the heating and cooling system while the projection room sported Vitaphone Talking equipment. Upon completion, WaKeeney area residents again enjoyed moving pictures.
As in the present, technology continually updated. Mr. Kelly accommodated patrons with new sound equipment from Universal Television Co. The June 26, 1930 Western Kansas World mentioned the new system was “superior to the old 5 tube sets.”
During July 1931, Kelly again dealt with blue law enforcement. He responded to legal demands that he close his theatre on Sundays by closing his doors, stating, “As soon as the smoke clears, he will reopen for business.”
Though I didn’t find a specific reopening date, the October 1, 1931 Western Kansas World reported that C.B. invested in 5,000 advertising cards promoting October, November, and December show dates. The article mentioned movie patronage increased other business in town. It appears folks supported the reopened theatre.
In November of '31, Kelly advertised the Dayton Vaudeville Act between shows. Audiences got their money’s worth watching an added live show during intermission. Imagine the buzz circulating as folks exited that performance.
Kelly continued to prosper. Despite a diminishing national economy, Mr. Kelly continued improving his theatre in 1933. The June 22 paper records that he installed an “18-foot Dayton Perforated Picture Screen that permitted him to show larger, brighter pictures.” He also updated the stage curtain.
He added improvements according to the July 13, 1933 Western Kansas World. He increased the lobby room, widened aisles, and installed a partition to separate those waiting to attend the second show.
Other businesses may have suffered hard times, but thanks to C.B. Kelly’s astute business sense, the Kelly Theatre thrived.
Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.