Memories Can Be Relived in an Old Fashioned Movie Theatre
Jun 01, 2022 01:22PM ● By Dave Molleck
Remember going to the movies as a kid? The joy of smelling the popcorn and seeing the excitement unfold before your eyes on the big screen. Or butterflies in your stomach as you held hands for the first time while sitting in the back row. As you looked around you probably saw every kid from school or the neighborhood experiencing the joys of the movie theatre.
It’s all possible right here in Chillicothe, Illinois. The old fashioned movie theatre still exists in downtown and it needs your help. In 1926, Elmer Sturm started building what is now called the “Town Theatre.” It opened in 1927 after a slight delay as “The Sunset Theatre.” In 1944, Kerasotes Brother’s chain bought the Sunset Theatre and in 1949 the theatre went through a complete remodel for a cost of $50,000 ($543,000 of today’s money). A fire in 1985 in the concession stand gave the Kerasotes brothers a chance to remodel again but this time the theatre was expanded and turned into 2 auditoriums.
On April 29, 1999, Vernon Reynolds bought the Town Theatre from the Kerasotes Company and installed surround sound and he rebuilt the marquee that extends over the sidewalk. Then on October 14, 2009 the Chillicothe Optimist Club purchased the “Town Theatre” for $200,000 with the purpose of supporting area youth organizations. The purchase was made possible with the help of fundraising, private donors, and commercial loans. The Optimist Club is able to donate thousands of dollars each year to the area youth organizations from all proceeds—less operating expenses—raised from this unique old theatre.
The movie business has changed over the years and the small theatre needs more people supporting it. People don’t realize how important it is to have people fill the seats of the theatre. The number of tickets sold on Friday determines which movies will be available the following week. The more tickets sold means better movies and all movies shown at this theatre are family oriented.
The Town Theatre is currently offering a new subscription card that allows you to attend the theatre as many times as you want throughout the month for the low cost of $10 per month (one admission per card each time). And if you want unlimited popcorn each time you attend, it’s only $10 more for a total of $20 per month. Where else can you have so much fun for such a low cost? For more information on how to subscribe, visit www.chillicothetowntheatre.com to download an application or you can pick one up at the theatre.
The Town Theatre is located at 1029 N. 2nd Street in downtown Chillicothe. All tickets are only $5.
To see what’s playing, follow the Chillicothe Town Theatre on Facebook or visit www.chilllicothetowntheatre.com.