Medicine Hat in Cypress County, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)
Central Motors, Empress Theater, Medicine Hat News
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 21, 2022
1. Central Motors, Empress Theater, Medicine Hat News Marker
On this site facing Sixth Avenue, now occupied by the City Hall, once stood three buildings. A two-story brick and tile structure situated adjacent to the river was erected in 1914. The Medicine Hat News, which had previously operated from the south-east corner of Second Street and Sixth Avenue, moved to this location in 1916 where it published for the next 65 years.
Adjacent to the south was the two-story Empress Theater, built in 1913. The 726 seat theater hosted local drama, vaudeille and opera, as well as visiting performers. Motion pictures were first shown in q927 and “talkies” in 1929.
From the ceiling hung a scallop chandelier. Matching scallop fanlights adorned the wall panels. The main floor stage was described as the best-equipped between Winnipeg and Vancouver. The top floor contained the fly loft; dressing rooms were in the basement.
The last film was shown in 1956 and the last live play was held in 1957. The Medicine Hat news bought the theater in 1958. These buildings were demolished in 1981 to make way for the present City Hall.
Central Motors was constructed for Milt Cory in 1936 on the corner of First Street and Sixth Avennue, replacing an earlier building. This single story masonry structure housed the Ford dealership at a time when the TransCanadian Highway crossed Finlay
this page online
Erected by Medicine Hat, the Gas City Heritage Resources Committee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 50° 2.506′ N, 110° 40.65′ W. Marker is in Medicine Hat, Alberta, in Cypress County. Marker is at the intersection of 6th Street and First Street (National Highway 41), on the left when traveling north on 6th Street. Marker is in front of the Medicine Hat City Hall, at the approach to the Finlay Bridge. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 6th Ave SE, Medicine Hat AB T1A 8E6, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Finlay Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Finlay Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Medicine Hat Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Medicine Hat WW I 1914 - 1918 Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Medicine Hat Flood Memorial (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); A. P. Burns House and Gas City Planing Mill (about 90 meters away);
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 21, 2022
2. Central Motors, Empress Theater, Medicine Hat News Marker
marker is located at the approach to the Finlay Bridge
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 21, 2022
3. Central Motors, Empress Theater, Medicine Hat News Marker
the picture on the marker
courtesy of the Esplanade Archives
Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2022, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 113 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 4, 2022, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
