The Many Trials of the Historic Everett Theatre

Editor’s note: Originally published November 14, 2018. Updated June 17, 2021.

When I visited the Historic Everett Theater on Colby, the manager, Curt Shriner, was very busy. There’s always work to be done at the theater, but Shriner stopped for a couple of minutes to talk to me.

The Everett Theater is the sole survivor of the town’s many cinemas. Built in 1901, it was a beautiful venue for live performance, the best in this town or any other. The front was a Spanish inspired work of stucco and stone. The interior boasted a high mezzanine, box seats, and a stage framed in gold.

Touring shows and stars from all around the country would make a point to stop at the Everett.

It was a big deal.

The original 1901 interior // Courtesy of the Everett Public Library

Films came through occasionally, but didn’t stick around for long. Then in 1916, D.W Griffith’s groundbreaking (and hugely problematic) film The Birth of a Nation screened to sold-out crowds, and it became clear that movies were about to take over the theater business.

By 1918 most of the events on the calendar were films, with live performances filling in the gaps. Then in 1923, a raging fire destroyed the entire interior and front of the building. But the Everett Theatre was rebuilt and reopened the next year, showing new sound “talkies” a few years later.

After World War II, movies declined in popularity and the Everett went through its most memorable redesign. In 1952 the theater reopened with a dazzling neon sign and an appropriately sparkling and spectacular lobby.

The exterior of the theater showcasing the beautiful neon sign // Courtesy of Everett Public Library

This era is marked by a friendly rivalry with the Roxy Theater across the street, and hosting countless special events including celebrity appearances and special midnight screenings. After the Everett Mall opened its first cinema in 1973, the Everett Theatre had two walls installed, breaking it into three screens.

Unable to compete with the big multiplexes, it fell into disrepair and closed in 1989.

Quickly the Historic Everett Theatre Society was formed, and the theater was purchased, refurbished, and saved. In 1993, the Everett Theatre had another re-opening, marking yet another chapter in its long life.

50's poster advertising a special Halloween event // Courtesy of the Everett Public Library

Talking to Shriner I could tell he takes the importance of this place very seriously. Generations of local memories were made here: kids enjoying an adventure flick with their friends after school, families taking a day on the town filling up on popcorn and laughter, young love found up on the dark balcony on a Saturday night.

The exterior of the Everett Theater today // David Blakeslee

And even though movies are not currently the main focus of the theater, if you keep an eye on the schedule you’ll be sure to find one or two classic films playing on special occasions.

Colby Avenue covered in snow, 1953 // Courtesy of the Everett Public Library

For the past 18 years, Everett Theater has been managed as a non-profit by the Historic Everett Theater Preservation Society. A portion of each ticket sale goes to support the beloved theater and volunteers help fuel what we hope will be another 100 years of Everett arts and entertainment tradition.