By KAREN MADORIN
In the decades following the Great Depression, the Kelly Theatre remained a mainstay of Trego County entertainment and memory-making. During that time, much changed in the world, including ownership of this local business.
During the '40s, C.B. Kelly refurbished his theatre once again, hiring Ben Deines and crew to paint the ceiling tan and the walls blue and purple. He installed another new screen, and repaired seating. Clearly, patrons attended movies regularly.
Following Mr. Kelly’s death in 1951, his business passed to nephew Frank Wonner and long-time employee Avon Gregg. They continued nightly shows and weekend matinees until August 1956 when they sold it to Ted Elvert.
Ted completely remodeled following its purchase and reopened in early September. Changes included new gas heating, restrooms, and a nursery. Those attending movies for Hollywood thrills and buttery popcorn surely appreciated these upgrades.
By 1962, WaKeeney had the Y Drive-In Theatre. The owners, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Hladek consolidated the movie market by buying the Kelly Theatre, which they ran until leasing it to Mid-American Theatres in 1975.
Mid-American remodeled once again with new carpet and marquee. Unfortunately, entertainment interests evolved with new technology, ending the theater’s run in 1979. One of the last movies shown was Boys from Brazil. The facility deteriorated until the city tore it down in 2006.
Now the site awaits its renaissance as Kelly Plaza with bathroom facilities, a small stage, and access to food vendors. Supporters strive to make this a gathering place where patrons will generate new WaKeeney memories.
Though the glory days ended, many area residents shared fond memories of the theatre with committee member Janeen Brown.
Judy Fabrizius Graham, Class of 1958, recalls going to the Kelly in the late '40s and early '50s, where many shows were Westerns. She recalled Hopalong Cassidy once came in person to the theatre. Her dad gave them a dime to pay admission with nothing left for refreshments. They sat downstairs where seats filled early and fast due to limited downtown parking. During Judy’s teens, classmate Selma Elvert’s parents owned the Kelly.
Larry Steckline, Class of 59, recalls going to the show there was a big deal. He said he always went with the boys—never with a date—to mostly Westerns. He said it was beautiful—"few were as nice as that theatre.”
Other '50s and '60s grads remembered going to the theatre on dates. One mentioned that managers played music before movies began, and attendees danced down front until the film started. Owner Cora Hladek ran a tight ship and expected young patrons to behave.
Two '60s graduates recall the school marching kids to the theatre for events. They didn’t recall live shows on stage at that point. One loved cartoons while her parents enjoyed popular news reels. She said she mostly attended films in grade school, not as a secondary student. She knew there was balcony, but she always sat downstairs with her friends or family. A '64 alum recalls girls attending the movies so boys would come sit with them. Another mentioned the pay phone booth on the courthouse grounds where kids called parents to pick them up after movies ended.
This landmark business served its community well. Scores of locals love remembering good times at the Kelly.
Once the re-designed plaza opens, area residents and guests can continue making happy memories.