Reel 7 – Claremore’s Movie Theatre Magic-The Electric (1910) and Lyric (1909) Continue Their Friendly Commercial Competition Into 1914

To rewind and read “Claremore’s Movie Theatre Magic” – Reel 1, Reel 2, Reel 3, Reel 4, Reel 5, or Reel 6, please click the desired reel.

Electric Theatre second building from right with the arched entry way and the “Theatre” sign sticking out. Will Rogers Boulevard, Claremore, Oklahoma, looking west from Cherokee Avenue.

Reel 7-Claremore’s Movie Theatre Magic – The Electric (1910) and Lyric (1909) Continue Their Friendly Commercial Competition Into 1914.

The Claremore Progress exclaimed Claremore’s, “Picture Shows Best Ever,” at the dawn of 1914. This epithet would continue throughout the year.

“The Electric and the Lyric Theatres are putting up a high class of entertainment every night and are pleasing the many patrons. As a special feature, Mr. Martin (of the Lyric) has secured special music, while Mr. Webber (of the Electric) makes one believe that he is in the ‘City’ by giving from four to six reels every night, all of which are features.”[i] Mr. Webber presented Thanhouser’s January 1914 released, 56-minute-long, romance The Runaway Princess in two reels (2,204 feet in length). (This was especially ironic since Claremore had experienced its own “runaway princess,” Princess Stefania, who disappeared as mystifyingly as she appeared in town just eight months earlier. No one ever knew what became of the princess.)

“Mr. Martin offered as his feature in one reel, The Price of Jealousy, both of which were enjoyed by those who took occasion to witness the shows. Probably no town in the United States has the good fortune to have two such up-to-date picture shows as Claremore is blessed with. Both Mr. Webber and Mr. Martin take an interest in their shows and are anxious in their efforts to select programs to suit the theatre going people of Claremore which is partially responsible for the liberal patronage which they enjoy. They both use different film service, which gives the people of Claremore an opportunity to see both services. The film service which they use are the best and as a consequence they always have a good show and are always well attended.”[ii]

That February, the Lyric exhibited “The four-reel feature [1913] Caprice, featuring Mary Pickford and Owen Moore, which was presented… to a capacity house.” It “was one of the best pictures that it has ever been the pleasure of the theatre going public of Claremore to witness… It was a pretty story and well-acted and pleased those who saw it.”[iii]

In March, W.R. Webber of the Electric Theatre emphasized, “A well-lighted street is like a well-lighted front. It draws business, and business is what we want on our main street.”[iv]

Harry Martin’s movie house franchise expansion continued. By 1914, Martin owned three Oklahoma picture shows, The Lyric at Claremore, The Lyric at Collinsville , and The Lyric at Tulsa.[v]

This is the same time at which a tiny tidbit of information appeared in The Claremore Progress. “Claremore Garage Enlarged. The management of the Claremore Garage have enlarged their place of business by moving into the room formerly occupied by the 96 Ballard and Inola Pipe Line Co. both of which have in turn moved into the corner room of the same building. The partition has been removed from between the Claremore Garage.”[vi] Remember this announcement because it will eventually have a positive effect on Claremore’s movie theatre magic.

The featured film at the Lyric, Claremore, in May 1914, was the five-reel, The Good Little Devil. This movie, considered Mary “Pickford’s first feature-length film,”[vii] “was a good one and pleased those who saw it. It was produced by Daniel Frohman, which is a recommendation in itself. Mary Pickford played the leading role, which added much to the picture. The new opera chairs which have recently been installed in the theatre add much to the comfort.”[viii]

The four-reel feature, Clothes, a now lost 1914 silent film, ran at the Lyric Theatre “to crowded houses.” It “was an excellent one and proved to be interesting from start to finish. It was the story of how far a woman would go for the sake of having good clothes, and what is the inevitable result, trouble. Such pictures as this one… are a credit to any theatre.”[ix]

As technology and the art of movie making advanced, silent feature films began to grow in length. The Shakespeare play turned Italian movie, Antony and Cleopatra, arrived at the Electric in Claremore with great anticipation. “The sensation of the hour in amusement circles is George Kleine’s production of the Kleine’s photo drama spectacle Antony and Cleopatra. Nothing like it has been seen in the world and the prices paid for exclusive rights by the different European impresarios have been astounding. The subject affords the Kleine’s Company greater scope dramatically and pictorially than their production of Quo Vadis, and they have taken ample advantage of it. The photo drama is arranged in eight parts and three acts, each one of which is a dramatic revelation. Signor [Amleto] Antony Novelli is the Marc Antony and Signora Giovanna Terribili Gonzales is the Cleopatra. They are ably supported by Signor Ignazio Lupi as Octavius, Signorina Matilde di Marzio as Charmian, Signora Elsa Leonard as Octavia, and a host of brilliant actors in the minor characters, some of whom played important parts in Quo Vadis. For spectacular magnificence this production has never been approached. This picture will be shown at the Electric Theatre tonight. Admission 10 and 25 cents.”[x]

After its visitation, The Claremore Progress gave Antony and Cleopatra exceptional reviews. “Antony and Cleopatra One Excellent Feature. The eight-reel feature, Antony and Cleopatra, shown at the Electric Theatre to crowded houses, Thursday night was without doubt, the best motion picture that has ever been shown in Claremore. In fact, it was pronounced by some of Claremore’s best people to be the most wonderful picture that they had ever witnessed. In securing this picture Mr. Webber, manager of the theatre, told the editor that on account of the picture being such a long one and pronounced by all exhibitors so good, he would be forced to raise the price of admission, but that he thought that the Claremore folk are looking for the best and willing to pay for the same, and that the patronage that was granted him Thursday afternoon and night only bore him out that he was right. The next big feature which he has booked, is Quo Vadis, which will be shown at the Theatre in the near future.”[xi]

Meanwhile, at the Lyric, the Kalem company feature, Intrigue, was considered “one of the best two-real features that has ever been shown in the city.”[xii] Harry Martin reported that July, “he had the biggest matinee he has ever had since he owned the Lyric Theatre.”[xiii] Patrons were becoming devoted followers of Claremore’s movie theatre magic, but there was more suspense to come.

That June, the Thanhouser Film Corporation released a successful, unique, clever and attention grabbing serial that enticed the movie going public to return, time and again, to the Electric. “The Million Dollar Mystery (23 chapters in all), the first reels of which were shown at the Electric Theatre Monday night, promises to be one of the most interesting, absorbing and intense pictures that it has ever been the pleasure of the Claremore folk to witness. Even the first two reels of the picture were exciting and were filled with mystery. The Thanhouser Co. is offering a ten-thousand-dollar reward to the person solving the mystery in one hundred words. (In other words, they were to write the best ending to the movie.) One of the questions which the answer will include is ‘What became of the million dollars?’ Those who saw the first two reels at the Electric Monday saw a pair of hands in the dark, work the combination on the safe and take therefrom the million dollars’ worth of currency but whose hands were they? That is the question which will beset many of those who aspire to win the ten thousand dollars for the solution of the mystery. There will be many more questions brought out in the picture which will make you think, if you solve this great story by Harold McGrath. Mr. Webber will show the next two reels next Monday night.”[xiv] Claremore sleuths lined up faithfully and regularly to view the show, eager to design a viable solution to the mystery that would win the prize money.

The Claremore Progress continued to report on the serialized movie’s performances. “Second Episode of Million Dollar Mystery Good. The second episode of The Million Dollar Mystery the most talked of and probably the best motion picture that has ever been produced, was shown at the Electric Theatre Monday night to a large crowd. The picture continues to grow more interesting and more interesting all the time as the plot progresses.”[xv]

With heightened intrigue the Misses Hadady and Kaho entertained their friends with a viewing of The Million Dollar Mystery. “The Misses Helen Hadady and Pauline Kaho were hostesses to a few of their friends Monday evening. Miss Hadady entertained six couples with a six o’clock dinner at the Sequoyah Hotel, after which a line party to the Electric Theatre to witness The Million Dollar Mystery, was enjoyed. The show over, the young folk repaired to Miss Kaho’s home on Second street, where a pleasant social evening was spent with music and rook.”[xvi]

July 1914, brought a “Special Music Find” for musical variety to the Lyric. “The special music by the Empress Orchestra at the Lyric Theatre Friday night, in their rendition of ‘A Hunting Scene,’ a descriptive piece of music of ‘a chase,’ was excellent and was duly appreciated by all who attended. The orchestra is classed among the best in the state and Mr. Martin is extremely fortunate in securing their services during the summer months while most of the theatres at Tulsa are closed.”[xvii]

With the increasing success of the movie house industry, Harry Martin prepared to expand his Lyric movie show franchise once again. This time, Chelsea, Oklahoma, was the chosen location. “Harry Martin went up to Chelsea Wednesday to hang a motion picture curtain at The Lyric… together with Leo A. Moore and Mrs. May Wiggins. They report the show which has just recently been started there to be doing a good business.”[xviii] The Wiggins family moved to Chelsea, where Mrs. Wiggins took charge of the Lyric at that place. [xix]

Back at Claremore, a program shown at the Lyric on a “Monday night was composed of three well-acted pictures, one being especially worthy of mention – Rose O’ My Heart, a real feature in one reel. It was enjoyed to the limit by everyone of the large number who saw it.”[xx]

The movie houses continued to show their community support as “The ladies of the Baptist church were given benefits by the Electric Theatre” on a Wednesday night and by the Lyric on a Thursday night. Though not the only fundraiser, “This was for the purpose of assisting to raise the thousand dollars the young people pledged for buying pews in the new Baptist church.”[xxi] (Another fund raiser they offered was the sale of a delightful cookbook.)

The popular romance movies of the times included an instructive moral to each story and, of course, a happy ending, yet a wide range of often conflicting opinions continued to arise regarding appropriate topics for the film industry’s entertainment offerings. Who would determine what was suitable to view?

by Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

Coming Attraction: Claremore’s Movie Theatre Magic – Reel 8.

Sources:

Oklahoma newspapers used are sourced through The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

---

[i] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 51, Ed. 1 Friday, January 23, 1914.

[ii] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 52, Ed. 1 Friday, January 30, 1914. https://www.thanhouser.org/TCOCD/Filmography_files/indiqql9d.htm. “The Runaway Princess.” By Q. David Bowers. © 1995

[iii] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 4, Ed. 1 Friday, February 27, 1914.

[iv] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 7, Ed. 1 Friday, March 20, 1914.

[v] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 9, Ed. 1 Friday, April 3, 1914.

[vi] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 18, Ed. 1 Friday, April 24, 1914.

[vii] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Good_Little_Devil

[viii] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 20, Ed. 1 Friday, May 8, 1914.

[ix] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 22, Ed. 1 Friday, May 22, 1914.

[x] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 22, Ed. 1 Friday, May 22, 1914.

[xi] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 23, Ed. 1 Friday, May 29, 1914.

[xii] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 25, Ed. 1 Thursday, June 11, 1914.

[xiii] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 29, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 9, 1914.

[xiv] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 30, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 16, 1914. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Million_Dollar_Mystery

[xv] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 31, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 23, 1914.

[xvi] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 36, Ed. 1 Thursday, August 27, 1914.

[xvii] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 31, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 23, 1914.

[xviii] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 35, Ed. 1 Thursday, August 20, 1914.

[xix] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 38, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 10, 1914.

[xx] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 36, Ed. 1 Thursday, August 27, 1914.

[xxi] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 37, Ed. 1 Friday, August 28, 1914.

Reel 6 – Claremore’s Movie Theater Magic – Claremore’s Lyrical Lyric (1909) and Electrifying Electric (1910) Theatres, Part 3

REEL 6 – Claremore’s Movie Theater Magic – Claremore’s Lyrical Lyric (1909) and Electrifying Electric (1910) Theatres, Part 3

To start at the beginning to rewind and read “Claremore’s Movie Theater Magic” – Reel 1, Reel 2, Reel 3, Reel 4, or Reel 5 – please click the appropriate reel.

An Electric Theatre and Claremore highlight electrified the city in the spring of 1913, when local banker and eligible bachelor Earle Bayless had the honor of escorting Princess Stefania Kaunitz of Austria and her maid to the Electric Theatre for entertainment. Princess Stefania had come all the way from her homeland to improve her health by using Claremore’s renown and medicinal Radium Waters. “The princess proved to be a person of much interest, and during the show was the cynosure of nearly all the eyes of the people present, at some time or other. While the pictures were being shown, the princess raised her veil to get a better view, upon the raising of which those who saw her were surprised to note her face was, so far as one could see, not broken out with eczema, but of course the light was rather poor and we might have been mistaken… Those who witnessed the [February 25, 1913, Thanhouser released] two-reel feature, Sherlock Holmes Solves the Sign of Four, [starring Harry Benham and Charles Gunn] at the Electric Theatre Friday night, were unanimous in their expression that it was a masterpiece. Many of the people in the audience had read the story, which made it doubly interesting. Mr. Webber is to be complimented upon securing such a meritorious picture for his patrons.”[lxx]

Over at the Lyric, “A treat was enjoyed” in March 1913, “by the presentation of the [17-minute-long, D.W. Griffith] Biograph drama, The One She Loved, [starring Henry B. Walthall, Mary Pickford and Lionel Barrymore] which was good, as the pictures of this company always are. On account of the bad weather, not a very large crowd was in attendance, but those who were fortunate enough to see this picture were delighted.”[lxxi]

“Harry Martin, the genial manager of the Lyric Theatre, presented for the approval of his patrons,” in April 1913, “an excellent picture namely, The Twilight of Her Life, which was played by an all-star cast. The picture was in one reel, but those who saw the one reel wished that more was to follow. This picture was accompanied by two others of merit, and on the whole, the show was a dandy.”[lxxii]

“In acknowledgement of his appreciation of the liberal patronage which his picture show has been accorded by the people of Claremore, Harry Martin, manager of the Lyric Theatre, gave a carnation to each lady who passed into his theatre… This was rather a unique idea of Mr. Martin’s, and to say that it proved to be a winner would be putting it mildly. The program presented was especially good. Nowhere in Oklahoma, or any other state for that matter, can there be found any more up-to-date picture shows than right here in our home town.”[lxxiii]

One, two, or even three reel movies were becoming more common, but movie lengths were still considered “short” by today’s market; most were not more than half an hour.

Then Satan came to the Electric. “The great five-reel feature, Satan, which was shown at the Electric Theatre Saturday afternoon and night and Sunday afternoon and night, was absolutely the greatest picture of its kind that has ever been projected upon a screen in this town containing a moral throughout every foot of the picture. Not only was the acting of all the players who helped produce this masterpiece good, especially that of the man who played the part of the devil, but the scenic effect throughout the entire picture was superb.

“The opening scene showed Satan being thrown from heaven and his fall to earth. The first reel dealt with Satan doing evil on the earth in the days of Adam and Eve. The lesson of what happened to those who yield to the temptation of the devil was laid bare and brought home to the minds of all who witnessed the first reel as it was throughout the entire five, coming down step by step unto the present day, showing the devil always wielding an influence over men and women and finally bringing them to ruin, after which he would enjoy a hearty laugh.

“Such pictures are of unlimited value educationally and morally, for much was shown of the crucifixion of Christ. No one who saw this picture went away without giving some concentrated thought. It made one think.”[lxxiv] “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I [Jesus] am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10 KJV”

“A beautiful duet by the ever popular singers, Miss Lois Wiggins and brother, Lawrence, was the next number on the program,” in May 1913, “and to say that their number was pleasing would be putting it mildly. It scored a hit. These two young people are gifted with wonderful voices and the harmony which they draw from a song is especially pleasing to the ear. When it is announced that they will sing at the Lyric Theatre a good crowd is generally the result.”[lxxv]

Community fundraising events continued to be offered at the Lyric. One in May 1913, “was a benefit for the members of the Junior class of the E.U.P.S. [Eastern University Preparatory School at Claremore, now Rogers State University]. The Claremore Progress gave details. “Harry Martin, manager of the Lyric Theatre, gave a benefit show to the Junior class of the state school Friday night which was well attended and reflected credit upon Mr. Martin for his generosity. The juniors share of the proceeds from the benefit show given at the Lyric Theatre Friday night was $22.70. The money goes into the class treasury. The members of the class wish to publically thank Mr. Martin for his kindness.”[lxxvi]

“The two-reel feature, The Kings of the Forests,” shown at the Lyric Theatre, “was an excellent picture in every respect, and was well attended. Several line parties were in evidence… Misses Maude Littlefield, class mother of the Senior class of the E.U.P.S., and Miss Brooks, mother of the Junior, entertained the Junior class, some thirty in number, at Hall & Gilkerson’s Drug Store, Thursday evening, first having enjoyed a line party at the Lyric Theatre.”[lxxvii]

The Lyric Theatre also “gave a benefit show for the Episcopal church… which was well attended. The programme shown was interesting and held the attention of the audience from beginning to end.”[lxxviii]

“Mrs. Wiggins, the efficient piano player at the Lyric Theatre,” was “placed in charge of the same during the absentee of H.M. Martin” that July.[lxxix] This was also the month the Lyric Theater was robbed! “Have you seen anyone spending a whole lot of nickels? If you have just let us know for we will then have the criminal. On Thursday night, Harry Martin left money in the money drawer at the Lyric Theatre to the amount of $1.55 all in nickels, little thinking that a thief would commit a theft for so small an amount, but upon his return to the theatre Friday morning, he found that such had been the case, the nickels were all gone. The thief had cut the screen through which the admission fee is passed and from the vantage point of having his arm inside had relieved the till of the change. As yet, no trace has been found as to who is the guilty party. It is hoped that the thief is found and punished as a lesson not to do childish things again. Whoever did this is a dangerous criminal. Why he may even rob a baby’s bank the next time.”[lxxx]

Line parties continued to be a rage in the summer of 1913. “Miss Winnifred Jennings entertained a few of her girlfriends with a line party to the Lyric Wednesday evening followed by a bunking party at the home of her parents. It is needless to say that the girls had a grand time… And Mrs. A.L. Kates entertained a few young folk at her residence on Second street, Tuesday evening, with a seven o’clock dinner, after which a line party to the Electric Theatre was enjoyed, followed by liquid refreshments at the Hall-Gilkeson Drug Co. The guests of honor were Misses Dorothy Davenport, of Vinita, Alleene McClure, of Springfield, Mo., and Lois Chandler, of Cassville, Mo. A good time in general was had.”[lxxxi]

And a number of “Little Tots Have Bunking Party. Little Eloise Bishop, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Bishop, gave a slumber party to a few of her little friends last week at the home of her parents. Mrs. Bishop, assisted by Byna Murphy and Mrs. J.C. Lipe, served the guests with a picnic luncheon on the lawn, after which a line party was indulged in at the Electric Theatre. Those to accept Little Miss Bishop’s hospitality were Lillian Adams, Margaret Adams, Ruth Flippin, Rebecca Flippin, Charlotte Payne, Fleta Davis, Muriel Lipe and Miss Thelma Bishop. All report a good time.”[lxxxii]

In August 1913, Charlie Church officiated “in the capacity of operator at the Lyric Theatre, during the absence of Roy Wilson, the regular operator, who” spent “his vacation in Missouri visiting homefolk.”[lxxxiii]

Also that August a plea was made to support the Boy Scouts through a “Scouts Benefit. Billy Webber, owner of the Electric Theatre, gave the Boy Scouts a benefit Friday night and the boys cleared $7 after all of the expenses had been paid. Come business men and get in line and help the Scouts as Mr. Webber and Mr. O’Neil have started the ball rolling, so come on and help the Scouts out as they have reorganized under a new scoutmaster and promise to do some good work with the help of the business men.”[lxxxiv]

August 1913, “perhaps for the first time in the history of the city a boy scout baseball team matched a similar visiting team on the local diamond. It was a return game and the Wagoner boys came up on the morning train, twenty-seven strong… After the game, a large number of the boys went to the swimming pool for a plunge, and this was followed by a benefit picture show at the Lyric Theatre… Harry Martin gave a benefit show for the boy scouts at the Lyric… The money derived from the show was used to help defray the expenses of the Wagoner baseball team’s trip to this city.” A card of appreciation on behalf of the Claremore boy scouts, was published in The Claremore Progress. “I wish to publically thank the owners and managers of the Electric Theatre, the Lyric Theatre, and the Swimming Pool for the benefits given the Boy Scouts, John Barrett for the use of his car Friday, and the business men and the different homes for the courtesies shown our visitors from Wagoner. D. Ferrara, Scoutmaster.”[lxxxv]

The Claremore Progress affirmed, ”To a crowded house throughout the entire evening Saturday, the Electric Theatre showed that great photo-play, Tannhauser, by the famous Thanhouser Company, in three parts, which was by far the most superbly staged and well-acted motion picture feature ever shown in Claremore. Not only was the scenery most elaborate but the ‘Violets’ and ‘My Cabaret,’ sung by Miss Link, pleased the large audience. Costumes were par-excellence. Mr. Webber, the manager of this popular show house, is endeavoring to secure the finest programs obtainable, and it is due to the showing of such features as Tannhauser that he owes the liberal patronage his theatre is enjoying.”[lxxxvi] By September, “Lee Pitts, former operator at the Olympic Theatre of Oklahoma City [had] accepted a position as operator at the Electric Theatre.”[lxxxvii]

Excellent motion picture programs continued to be shown at the Lyric Theatre. “A well-acted Biograph drama, The Hero of Little Italy, was especially interesting, as was also The School Principle [or Principal?], by the Lubin Co., When Dreams Come True and One Can’t Always Tell, completing the evening program, were well received. The Lyric Trio, singing ‘Baby Rose, My Moonlight Pal,’ was enjoyed by all, the selection being rendered in their usually pleasing manner. Mr. Martin, the manager, enjoyed a most liberal patronage during the evening, the verdict of all being an excellent and interesting program.”[lxxxviii]

Claremore’s movie houses continued with benefit events. The benefit at the Lyric “for the Odd Fellows Orphanage was one of the most liberally patronized ever given in the city. The theatre was crowded from beginning to end of the program.”[lxxxix] “The Electric Theatre put on a benefit for the Junior class of the Prep school, and by hard work the students had sold tickets to about everyone in town, which with the Lyric and the Opera House also running, gave amusement for all.”[xc] The Electric Theatre will give a benefit tonight for the Royal Neighbors lodge.[xci]

The movie theatre business was booming; it was time for expansion in December 1913.  Harry Martin, manager of the Lyric Theatre, told the editor of The Claremore Progress, “that while in Collinsville he purchased the Royal Theatre at that place. He says that he has remodeled the place and made it look like new. He has changed the name of the place of amusement to the Lyric. He says that he kept the doors open only three days last week and that he enjoyed a nice business at the hands of the Collinsville people and that the prospects are very bright for a successful business at that place. [Harry Martin’s son] Victor Martin will take charge of the new show at Collinsville, and as Victor is a bright energetic fellow, who is willing to work, he may well be expected to make a success of his new undertaking”.[xcii] Victor Martin moved to “Collinsville to take charge of the Lyric Theatre.”[xciii]

To close 1913, the two-reel Vitagraph feature, The Test, starring Clara Kimball Young and Herbert Barry played at the Lyric Theatre in Claremore, and “was one of the best pictures… seen for some time. It was a society drama, part of the second scene being laid in Australia.”[xciv]

With fierce commercial competition continuing between the Electric and Lyric, the movie paying public would “test” which theatre provided the best movie theatre magic. But, could the Claremore community continue to provide enough patronage for the two competing movie houses to survive?

By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

Coming Attractions Coming Soon: Reel 7- Claremore’s Movie Theater Magic.

Sources:

Oklahoma newspapers sourced through  The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[lxx] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 11, Ed. 1 Friday, April 11, 1913.

The Inola Register. (Inola, Okla.), Vol. 7, No. 29, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 27, 1913.

https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/787307-sherlock-holmes-solves-the-sign-of-the-four?language=en-US

[lxxi] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 9, Ed. 1 Friday, March 28, 1913.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_One_She_Loved

[lxxii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 11, Ed. 1 Friday, April 11, 1913.

[lxxiii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 12, Ed. 1 Friday, April 18, 1913.

[lxxiv] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 14, Ed. 1 Friday, May 2, 1913.

[lxxv] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 16, Ed. 1 Friday, May 16, 1913.

[lxxvi] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 17, Ed. 1 Friday, May 23, 1913.

[lxxvii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 18, Ed. 1 Friday, May 30, 1913.

[lxxviii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 23, Ed. 1 Friday, July 4, 1913.

[lxxix] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 24, Ed. 1 Friday, July 11, 1913.

[lxxx] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 25, Ed. 1 Friday, July 18, 1913.

[lxxxi] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 26, Ed. 1 Friday, July 25, 1913.

[lxxxii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 27, Ed. 1 Friday, August 1, 1913.

[lxxxiii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 27, Ed. 1 Friday, August 1, 1913.

[lxxxiv] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 29, Ed. 1 Friday, August 15, 1913.

[lxxxv] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 30, Ed. 1 Friday, August 22, 1913.

[lxxxvi] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 30, Ed. 1 Friday, August 22, 1913.

[lxxxvii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 34, Ed. 1 Friday, September 19, 1913.

[lxxxviii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 30, Ed. 1 Friday, August 22, 1913.

[lxxxix] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 39, Ed. 1 Friday, August 29, 1913.

[xc] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 45, Ed. 1 Friday, October 10, 1913.

[xci] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 52, Ed. 1 Friday, November 28, 1913.

[xcii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 44, Ed. 1 Friday, December 5, 1913.

[xciii] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 2, Ed. 1 Friday, December 12, 1913.

[xciv] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 46, Ed. 1 Friday, December 19, 1913.

“Virginia’s Romance,” Claremore in the Movies – 1916

This is EPIC. Wish a copy of the movie “Virginia’s Romance,” 1916, Claremore, Oklahoma, could be found!

“Local Motion Picture to be Shown Here Two Nights.

“‘Virginia’s Romance’ or ‘A Romance of Claremore,’ will be shown at the Lyric Theatre on Saturday and Monday nights, November 25^th and 27^th. The picture was made in this city Monday and a cast of all local characters was used in the making of the film, which is not a series of stereopticon views, but a regular motion picture.

“E.L. Kenepp, the cameraman and director, in speaking of the Claremore picture after it had been made, said: ‘I have taken motion pictures in all of the towns of any size in Missouri and have used many casts, composed of amateurs, but the Claremore cast was the best and most intelligent I have yet used.

“‘It is not often that I am able to make the picture in one day – in fact, this is the first time, and this was made possible in Claremore, only by the hearty co-operation of all who in any way made anything to do with the making of the picture. They joined in the spirit of the occasion and each entered into his or her part with a vim which will give the production the proper ‘pep’ necessary to a real movie picture.

“‘Every foot of film I made was picture, and not an inch was spoiled. The picture will make one full reel, and a good one, I assure you. The reception scene, taken at one of the pretty homes on Second street, in which appear many of the society women of the town, was one of the best.

“‘No doubt, many of the ladies, when they see themselves on the screen at the Lyric, will decide that they have missed their calling and should have gone into the movies. I trust that no homes will be broken up by Mary Pickford’s departing for southern California to get on regular, while I am certain that the balmy clime of the seashore will soon find several Claremore Earle Williams and King Baggotts, not to mention Charley Chaplins.

“‘Seriously speaking, however, the picture will be one of the best I have ever made with a home talent cast, and I am sure yourselves and friends will be satisfied with the results. I know that I am, and I do not like to make an inferior picture. I feel that I have done my best with the Claremore picture.

“‘Virginia’s Romance’ is comedy drama. The scenes are all laid in Claremore – in the business district, in the residence district, at the Frisco station, at the schools, etc. The story has a light plot.

“Miss Naomi Connor, as Virginia, is the heroine. She is an accomplished young lady and has just returned home from a fashionable school for young ladies. Her mother, Mrs. A.L. Kates, has high aspirations for her, desiring that she marry into the nobility.

“With this object in view, the mother introduces her to Count DeBumski, who apparently falls desperately in love with fair Virginia, and seeks with might and main to win her hand, while the mother looks beamingly on.

“But Virginia loves another – Carl (Harold Boyd) – and she scorns the Count’s suit, which only adds fuel to the flame of the Count’s desire to win the fair lady. He is aided in every way possible by the mother, until finally, through coercion on the part of the mother, she promises to become the Count’s wife.

“How the wedding is interrupted at the last moment, just as the bride and groom are entering the church, is one of the laughable and interesting climaxes of the story.

“See the whole play at the Lyric either Saturday or Monday night.

“Following is the cast of characters: Director and Cameraman – E.I. Kenepp. Virginia – Miss Naomi Connor. Carl – Harold Boyd. Count DeBumski – W.C. Kates. Mrs. DeBumski, the Count’s wife – Elsie Everett. Vivian – Willie Mae Wyche. Virginia’s Mother – Mrs. A.L. Kates. Others of the cast – Mary Austin, Jimmie Reed, Mozelle Pollard, guests at the reception, school children and Mrs. DeBumski’s family of little tots.”[i]

---

[i] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 24, No. 43, Ed. 1 Thursday, November 23, 1916, newspaper, November 23, 1916; Claremore, Oklahoma. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181629/: accessed April 20, 2022), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.