“Hail to the Chief”
This timeline of the existance of the Chief Theater in Old Town Pocatello was originally published in the Idaho State Journal on March 21, 1993.
Jan. 5, 1938 — A crowd of 2,496 moviegoers from across Southeast Idaho flock to the opening night of the Chief Theater to watch “Bad Men of Brimstone,” starring Wallace Berry and Virginia Bruce.
1945-1960 — The Chief is in its heyday as Southeast Idaho’s premier theater. Usherettes, clad in tight uniforms, escort patrons to thier seats aqs the Golden Age of Holywood shimmers to life on the big screen.
Sept. 1982 — The Chief’s 44 years as a commercial movie house ends, but remains open under a unique private/public partnership involving the non-profit Chief Foundation and the City.
Dec. 9, 1984 — Denver businessman Frank Ricketson donates the Chief to the city. A restoration project, which will eventually involve hundreds of volunteers and thousands of hours of work begins.
July 9, 1989 — A refurbished Chief Theater reopens with country singer Jerry Jeff Walker entertaining a crowd of 600. “Places like this remind you of your roots,” Walker says.
March 20, 1993 — Fire demolishes Southeast Idaho’s oldest theater.
“I was not built merely of marble, mortar and steel
But born with a heart, soul and purpose.
I was the creation of a mentality on fire;
The product of a dreamer.
I was a reality loved into life.”
From the Chief Theater’s opening day program
