HUTCHINSON, Kan. – It is truly one of the treasures for the city of Hutchinson and the Historic Fox Theatre is 84 years old today! (Monday)

The “State Movie Palace of Kansas” originally opened on June 8, 1931, following a gala week of events the likes of which Hutchinson had never seen. When it opened, It was the largest theatre in the country between Kansas City and Denver.

On the evening of June 8, 1931, as part of the grand opening, the Fox hosted a true Hollywood-style premiere of the film “Always Goodbye,” starring Elissa Landi and Lewis Stone. The cast and filmmakers were on hand and the red carpet was rolled out for the occasion, just as it would be for any true film premiere. Many dignitaries spoke onstage before the film, including Vice President Charles Curtis via Western Union relay wire.

This truly was a monumental evening for Hutchinson and the beginning of a legacy that is, fortunately for our community, still growing today.