Friday Flix at the Colonial Fox Theatre in Pittsburg, Kansas

While I was unable to actually explore the interior of the Colonial Fox Theatre during my recent visit, I was able to snap this pano of the parking lot where during the summer months the Colonial Fox Theatre Foundation presents “Friday Flix” a special series of outdoor screenings. It is a free event but donations are always appreciated and help with the organization's efforts to restore the venue.

The Colonial first opened its doors on March 17, 1920 with over 2000 attending the premier. At least 1000 we’re turned away. Five hundred seats for the opening were sold for .50 cents with the remaining sold at .35 cents.

The first film in the new theatre was the 8-reel silent feature film “Everywoman" starring Violet Heming in search of "Love, deserted in turn by Modesty, Beauty, Wealth and Youth, but rescued by Truth and Devotion.”

The film was based on the stage play of the same name by Walter Browne and had been produced by the Paramount Artcraft Picture Corporation, the early parent company of today’s Paramount Studios.

In 1930 the Fox Kansas Theatre Company took over operations of the building and renamed the venue.

In 2007 the building was sold to the Colonial Fox Theatre Foundation with the mission to restore it. In 2008 it was accepted to the National Register of Historic Places.