The Princess Theater, located at 14 West Olive in Aurora, has a lot to celebrate in 2008.
The historic landmark is currently operating in its 65th year and recently received the Cinemental Journeys Classic Top 16 Theater in the Midwest from Mike Walker, co-author of Cinemental Journeys.
Shelby Ruble, current owner of the Princess, and his wife, Tiffany, were on hand March 29 to receive the award from Walker.
The recognition award is for being one of the oldest operating theaters in the Midwest.
The theater is featured in Walker’s book, which highlights classic movie theaters in midwest states including: Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa.
The Sunset Drive-In, located on Business 60, is also featured in the book. The drive-in was built in 1951 and houses up to 300 cars. Larry Marks is the current owner of the drive-in.
Background history on the Princess, courtesy of the Aurora Centennial book, put the theater opening as the Armory theater in 1906. It later burned down and was erected as the Princess Theater on December 16, 1943. The very first movie shown at the theater, according to Ruble, was True to Life.
The Boller Brothers, an architectural firm out of Kansas City specializing in theater design during the first half of the 20th century, were responsible for the Princess’ design, which included a large screen housed in a theater-like auditorium with the vintage trimmings, according archival photos.
The Boller Brothers can be credited with the design of almost 100 classic theaters ranging from small vaudeville houses to grand movie palaces.
The current theater still sits in the original location, but has gone through some changes since the 1943 design.
Ruble split the large screen in order to offer two movies instead of one and has updated the Princess’ look.
Sentimental movie-goers can still get the feel of sitting in a vintage theater by visiting the ticket booth out front or the concession stand, which are original structures of the building. Those with an appetite for the past can also enjoy popcorn out of the classic Manley theater popcorn popper.
The Princess features advertising on the big screen, gift certificates and a season schedule that runs seven days a week year-round.
To see what’s playing in any of Aurora’s historic theaters, visit www.princess3theater.com or www.sunsetdriveinaurora. com.
To order a copy of the Cinemental Journeys book, written by Mike and Vicki Walker, visit www.moonbook store.com.
Aurora, Mo. —
