This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Oldest US theater found in Ottawa Kansas 1905 Plaza Grind
The Plaza Grill and Cinema in Ottawa Kansas is identified as likely the oldest theater in continuous use in America, opening in 1905 as The Bijou then The Crystal Theatre before becoming The Plaza. The Franklin County Historical Society, aided by 1905 newspaper clippings, notes early silent film practice and a 1917 fire where pianist Professor Mapes guided exits.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Peach Madl
U.S
Plaza Grill
Ottawa
America
San Francisco
Victoria Theatre
Kansas
Hollywood
New York City
The
Historical Society
Muecke
Ottawa Theater
Bijou
Crystal Theatre
Plaza
Deborah Barker
Franklin County Historical Society
Ottawa Guardian
Barker
Guardian
Vincent Robb
Pickrell
Main Street
Fred Beeler
Peach
Professor Mapes