506 N. Main

The Western Star Theater opened in Newton at Broadway and Main in January 1907. It was sold in 1908 and reopened at 507 Main. In July 1909, it was sold again and remodeled. It was bought by Chris Wagner and moved to 506 N. Main in the spring of 1913 with a new name - Star Theater.

In the 1914 fire, the building itself did not burn, but the equipment was destroyed. Repairs were made and the theater was sold - briefly - and bought back by Mr. Wagner. He continued to operated it until his death in 1920 when his son, Edward Wagner, took over. The Star closed for good sometime between 1940 and 1943.

Note the art work featuring clouds and a Santa Fe engine installed by local artist, Phil Epp.

(Billie Wilson, Kristine Schmucker)