125 Anniversary film festival

– Join Tibbits this month as we celebrate the 125th Anniversary by going back to the movies.

History of the Tibbits' Movie Era

Do you remember going to the movies during Hollywood’s heyday? Or have you heard stories of what movies were like back then? More than 60 years ago Tibbits was the place to be when a new movie came to town.

On August 30, 1934, William J. Schulte purchased the opera house for $40,000. Schulte-Barrett Theaters purchased “a moving picture theater … known as Tibbits Theater … including stage properties, curtains, talking picture machines and equipment, pipe organ, piano, seats, stock of tickets on hand, chairs, desks, cash register …” and agreed to “keep the building on the premises … in as good condition as it is now … keep the roof from leaks and keep same reasonably painted and decorated.” Movies had arrived at Tibbits.

To make the theatre look like a movie house, Schulte hired designer builder Al Johnson to install a more modern façade. Happily much of the old “gingerbread” façade remained intact behind the new tiled “modern” front. Coldwater resident Anne Johnson, widow of the designer builder, correctly realized that the new front helped save the old theatre from threatened destruction.

Tibbits stayed alive as a movie theater, operated by Butch Anderson, for 20 years, until 1954 when “vacant” appears on official records. Birds, bats and critters moved in, and the historic theatre was once again threatened with destruction until the Coldwater Players began nosing around in the late 1950’s. Their actions and determination saved the gift of Tibbits for us all.

For three Sunday afternoons in September you can relive the glory days of Tibbits as a movie theater.

Three memorable classics will be shown on the big screen.

“Nancy Drew Reporter” September 9

“Ma and Pa Kettle go to Town” September 16

“The Wizard of Oz” September 23.

Speech & Language Services is proud to sponsor this event.

Popcorn, candy and contests just like the good old days guarantee fun for all. Bring the family! Bring the kids and grandkids!  Or bring the grandparents!