518-524 N. Main

520 N Main

The history of movie theaters in Newton can be traced almost to their invention. In 1910, the Gem Theater was opened by H. E. Herbert at 621 N. Main. It was considered somewhat of a gem in downtown as it had elevated seats, "fine opera chairs" and a seating capacity of around 300. It ran almost continuously until Mr. Herbert entered into an agreement following the 1914 fire with T.H. McManus for the construction of a first class theater at 520 N. Main. The Royal Theater opened in the winter of 1914 at 520 N Main.

The Royal Theater was successful despite having been sold several times. Each change of ownership brought updates, improvements and a new name. In 1921, O.K. Mason made some significant changes when he enlarged the theater. The stage was reconstructed to allow for vaudeville attraction and seating was increased to 750. Renamed the Regent Theatre, it operated in this capacity until it was purchased by Twentieth Century Fox in 1955 and renamed the Fox Theater.

Today, the name is the same, but the theater is home to the Gathering Church.

Photographs

• Photo 2: Star Theater, pre-1914.
• Photo 3: The remaining facades of the Star Theater, Plumb's China Emporium, and Home State Bank.
• Photo 4: After the fire with "The Happy Day - November 11, 1918" written on the back. Businesses: Royal Theater 518, Western Union Telegraph Co. 520, K. C. Billiard Parlor 522, May Shoe Store 524, First National Bank, 526, and Kansas State Bank, 600.
• Photo 5: 524 N Main - Will May's Shoe Store after the fire.

524 N Main

Today's building at 524 N Main was built following the devastating fire in 1914. A shoe store owned by Will May was listed at this address. Will May was one of the first businessmen to open a store in Newton. In 1871, he was and 'exhibitor' in Peter Luhn's Store. The locations of his previous stores had been in the 600 Block of Main.

After the fire, May rebuilt his shoe store. In 1926, Freeman's Shoe Shine had partnered with him. Lynch Shoe Store took over by 1940, but Freeman's remained. By 1956, Ott's Bootery had taken over the entire business.

(Billie Wilson, Kristine Schmucker)