Missoula in Missoula County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Roxy Theater

University Area Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 7, 2022

1. Roxy Theater Marker

Inscription. Neighboring business owners welcomed the Roxy Theater by purchasing more than a page of newspaper advertisements recognizing “the latest addition to Missoula’s South Side Business District!” Missoula suffered less than most Montana communities during the Great Depression—it was one of the few towns to see its population increase—but construction of a new building was still reason to rejoice. Oscar and Joan Paisley spent $35,000 (worth approximately $415,000 in 2007) on the reinforced-concrete building, whose Art Deco style celebrated the possibilities of the modern age. Designed with special attention to acoustics, the 1937 theater boasted air conditioning, the latest sound equipment, and seats “trimmed with chromium.” The Paisleys, who also owned theaters in Hamilton, Stevensville, and St. Ignatius, named their new venture for the famous Roxy Theater in New York. The 630-seat Roxy featured second-run movies (two to three months after their original release) for half the price of first-run houses. Adults paid a quarter and children only a dime to lose themselves in the romance and excitement of a Hollywood spectacular and

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forget the Depression’s sometimes grim realities.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 51.869′ N, 113° 59.837′ W. Marker is in Missoula, Montana, in Missoula County. It is on South Higgins Avenue near South 6th Street East, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 718 South Higgins Avenue, Missoula MT 59801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana

and in Glacier Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Church of the Holy Spirit

Roxy Theater and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 7, 2022

2. Roxy Theater and Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); 128 South Sixth Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Patterson Building (about 400 feet away); 302 South Sixth Street East (approx. 0.2 miles away); John E. Patterson Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); Charles E. Johnson Residence (approx. 0.2 miles away); Parsons House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dildine House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Missoula.

Roxy Theater image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 7, 2022

3. Roxy Theater

Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 186 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 14, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.