The Historic Elsinore Theatre

David Sedaris | Elisonore Theatre | Salem, OR

The Historic Elsinore Theatre Phone: (503) 357-3574

About The Historic Elsinore Theatre

On May 28, 1926, on a former livery stable site, the magnificent Elsinore Theatre first opened its doors to the public. Developed by George Guthrie, an entrepreneur and lover of art, the theatre was designed to resemble the castle in “Hamlet,” Shakespeare’s greatest drama.

Believing the Salem community deserved and would support a splendid theatre, Guthrie contracted with the Portland architectural firm Lawrence and Holford to create a Tudor Gothic structure that would become the showplace of the Willamette Valley. Ellis F. Lawrence, who later became the founding dean of the School of Architecture at the University of Oregon, was the project’s principle architect.

Under the supervision of general contractor Cuyler Van Patten, a meticulous man who sought nothing less than perfection, excavation began in 1925. Skilled laborers and gifted regional artisans were hired to do the basic construction as well as the plasterwork, ironwork, ornamentation and painting. Originally estimated to cost $100,000, it was rumored that Mr. Guthrie was headed toward bankruptcy when the price exceeded $250,000.

When the Elsinore opened its doors, Mr. Guthrie’s dream was realized, and it quickly became recognized as the finest theater between Portland and San Francisco. A capacity crowd attended the opening show, Cecil B. DeMille’s, “The Volga Boatman,” a silent movie accompanied by “Finlandia,” on a mighty Wurlitzer, 900-pipe, 13-rank organ.

For several years audiences enjoyed two weekly performances of “Fanchon & Marco,” a vaudeville circuit that started in Los Angeles and traveled north to Seattle. Many promising new performers, including Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Otis Skinner, Clark Gable and the John Phillip Sousa Marine Band also performed on the Elsinore stage.

In 1929 the Elsinore was leased to Fox Theaters, and was converted to accommodate the newest technological advance in entertainment – talking movies. One year later, owner George B. Guthrie leased the theatre to Warner Brothers Theaters, who ran it as a movie house until 1951.

Every Thursday during the 1930’s talented young people would line up at the Elsinore to audition for Zollie’s Mickey Mouse Club Matinee. The best singers, dancers, and musicians would be selected to perform the following Saturday. Created and hosted by teenage impresario Zollie Volchok, the show featured a group of “regulars”, including Salem’s own pianist Donnie Edwards and the talented young trumpeter, Doc Severinsen. Audiences were treated to a 45-minute live stage show, cartoons, movies, and pipe organ music from the mighty Wurlitzer. A few of Salem’s finest citizens still carry their membership cards bearing the Mickey Mouse Club Creed:

“I will be a square shooter in my home, in school, on the playground, wherever I may be. I will be truthful and honorable and strive always to make myself a better and more useful citizen. I will respect my elders and help the aged, the helpless and children smaller than myself. In short, I will be a good American.”

In 1954 the Elsinore was sold to Foreman Brothers, and during the next twenty-five years the forces of time, nature and audience abuse took its toll. The theatre’s ownership changed two more times. Tapestries had to be removed from the reach of vandals. The badly damaged stained glass windows in the upper lobby were boarded up, and in 1962 the magnificent Wurlitzer Organ was dismantled and sold for parts.

By the late 1970’s the theatre once billed as “The Showplace of the Willamette Valley” had lost its appeal even as a second-run, discount movie house. In 1976 the theatre’s fiftieth anniversary passed without notice.

In 1980 plans were being made to demolish the Elsinore and replace it with a parking lot. A group of concerned citizens, appalled at the thought of losing this local, historical treasure, formed the grassroots organization called the “Save the Elsinore Committee.” They worked hard to build support with the public as well as with the city’s political leaders.

Directions to The Historic Elsinore Theatre

Directions from the South
> Take I-5 to exit 253 (Hwy. 22)
> West on Mission St. (Turn right if from the north, left if from the south)
> Stay in center lane, continue past 12th St.
> Right on Liberty St. (go approx. 8 blocks)
> Right on State St.
> Right on High St.
> The Elsinore Theatre is on your left in this block

Directions from the North

> Take the SALEM PARKWAY/OR-99E BUSINESS exit- EXIT 260A. (3.1 miles)
> Turn LEFT at BROADWAY ST NE. (becomes HIGH ST NE in 1.4 miles)
> Continue on HIGH ST NE.
> End at 170 High St Se Salem, OR 97301