PALACE THEATRE               RESTORATION PROJECT

Childress Theatre Company, dedicated to the preservation of our historic Palace Theater, would appreciate your consideration in helping to save this unique page in our community's history.  The Palace Theater, designated in 2006 as a historic landmark by the Texas Historical Commission, is located in downtown Childress.  It has been a prominent fixture on our beautiful brick Main Street since 1926 when it was built by F.M. Phipps and G.S. Layton. ( Mr. Phipps began his career as a theater entrepreneur in Childress in 1911)  What a great beginning its restoration would be in the rejuvenation of downtown Childress.

Fire destroyed the interior of The Palace in January 1934.  Built originally for silent films, it was rebuilt for sound, with seating for 900, and reopened February 25, 1934, at a cost of $15,000.  A second fire completely destroyed The Palace in 1935, and the present building in the same location in 1937 at a cost of $50,000.

When The Palace reopened in February 1937, the owners, Mable Phipps, widow of F.M. Phipps, and G.R. Layton, son of G.S. Layton specified that The Palace would be designated to show first run major films.  The new Art Deco theater featured a state of the art sound system and a specially designed screen, complementing the additional luxuries of cushioned seats, carpeted floors and a balcony.  Upon its reopening, congratulatory telegram messages from Hollywood's biggest stars were carried in the February 28, 1937, issue of The Childress Index. 

Gene Autry, in the midst of a contract dispute with his Hollywood Studio in 1938, came to Childress where he spent several weeks.  While here he performed onstage at The Palace.  He brought his horse "Champion" with him and go haircuts at Palace Barber Shop, according to Autry history buff Kenneth Bartlett of Hollis, OK. (Autry had been ordering handmade boots from Childress bootmaker Teddie Rushing since 1935)  Other film personalities making personal appearances at the Palace in the late 30's included Smiley Burnett and Lash LaRue.
                         Letters from Gene Autry

In 1937 and again in 1948, films were made in Childress, using the talents of Childress children, by itinerate film make Melton Barker.  Both "Kidnappers Foil" movies were "premiered" at The Palace.  The films were rediscovered in 2005 and presented to Childress Theatre Company.  We worked with film archivist Caroline Frick of Texas Archive of the Moving Image, Austin, Texas, to acquire grants from the National Film Preservation Foundation to save the old nitrate films.  The 1937 "Kidnappers Foil was restored in 2005 and "re-premiered" to the delight of the community at our 2006 Chamber of Commerce banquet.  the 1948 film was restored in 2006 and was shown at the 2007 Chamber banquet.

We anticipate being able to show these films along with classic movies in a restored Palace Theatre one day soon. 

Any donations in this endeavor would be greatly appreciated.  All donations are tax deductible.  

Thank you for any assistance you can provide.