When the Iola Theatre opened its doors in 1931, the movie house would draw visitors from miles around.
Builder Ira Kelley envisioned a grand spectacle, with its classic Mission Revival architecture designed to show off Hollywood’s biggest stars, from Clark Gable to Greta Garbo and everyone in between.
Generations of moviegoers were treated to an experience like no other, with 900 plush leather seats, ornate chandeliers, even air-conditioning.
Several improvements followed through the years to keep up with modern technology. A second screen was added in 1977 as the balcony area was extended to create a second floor, allowing for two movies to be shown at once.
Alas, age catches up with everyone, and by the end of the 20th century, owners B&B Theaters had put in motion plans for a new venue, the Sterling Six Cinemas, which opened in 2001.
The cinema closed its doors for good, although the building was used for a church for about 10 years, but has largely been in disuse for the past decade.
Disappointed to see such a relic relegated to the history books, a group of Iolans joined forces to create the Iola Theatre Association in 2022, a non-profit organization intent on seeing the old movie house refurbished to its original grandeur — with a twist.
With Sterling Six still in business, and other performance venues like the Bowlus Fine Arts Center keeping folks entertained, the association targeted another local need. An event center.
“It will be a community space,” explained treasurer and secretary Maria Unruh, who joined the non-profit in 2023, a site for weddings, reunions or other activities.
Though in recognition of its heritage, the main event space will include a screen for such things as film festivals.
“We’re planning for the space to be as flexible as possible so that we can provide different types of events and bring value to different areas in the community,” said Unruh.
FAST FORWARD to Friday, where the community will get its first look at some of the improvements, most notably when a replica of the theatre’s original marquee is unveiled.
There will be plenty of fanfare, with jazz bands from Iola High School and Allen Community College serenading the crowd.
Sharky’s will offer specials, while Wild Bloom Coffee will set up its gelato cart with a “Great Gatsby” theme. Simply Soiree will have popcorn as well.
The evening culminates with the marquee’s unveiling at 8:15 p.m., when the sun has set.
Adorned with 668 LED lights, the display will serve as both an homage to Iola’s past, while recognizing the efforts to bring the Iola Theatre back to life, Unruh said.
