Central Area in Salem in Marion County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

Salem’s Theatrical History

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, October 14, 2025

1. Salem's Theatrical History Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Salem has a long history with theater – the Reed Opera House was originally built in 1869, though it was only a theater for a few short years. Investors built many theaters throughout the city and from 1900 to 1930, there were four main theaters downtown: Ye Liberty, Bligh’s Capitol, The Grand, and the Elsinore. When it was built in 1908, Ye Liberty Theater was the most modern and grand theater in all of Oregon. In fact, it was so advanced that on its opening night they didn't have enough electricity to display the planned motion picture! Theater, both live and motion pictures, became an escape for many Salemites in the years to come, especially during the Great Depression. Bligh’s Capitol Theater, which opened in 1926, ran for many years before the building was demolished in 1990. The theater seated 1200 people and had two glass rooms – one for smoking and the other specifically for crying babies.

Salem tiene une historia larga con el teatro, El Teatro de Ópera Reed fue originalmente construido en 1869, aunque solo fue un teatro por unospocos años. Inversores construyeron muchos más teatros por la ciudad y entre 1900 y 1930, había más de cuatro teatros centrales en el centro: Ye Liberty, Bligh’s Capitol, El Grandioso, y el Elsinore. Cuando fue construido en 1908, el teatro Ye Liberty fue el teatro más moderno y grandioso en todo Oregon. De hecho, fue tan avanzado que en noche de estreno ¡no tenían electricidad suficiente para exponer la película planeada! El teatro, tanto en vivo como en las películas, se hizo un escape para muchos residentes de Salem en los año que venían, especialmente durante la Gran Depresión. El teatro Bligh’s Capitol, lo cual abrío en 1926, duró por muchos años hasta que el edificio fue demolido en 1990. El teatro tenía cabida para 1200 personas y tuvo dos salones de vidrio - uno para fumar y otro específicamente para bebés llorando.

Photo caption one
Reed Opera House with the streetcar in front, c.1890s.

Photo caption two
Salem’s Historic Grand, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and shown here in 1932 has served as a staple of Salem cultural life for more than a century hosting everything from performing arts and entertainment, to one of a kind business offices and more. Purchased by its current owners in 2015, Salem’s Historic Grand has undergone state of the art renovation in the theatre, Ballroom, and 4th floor event spaces. In addition, Enlightened Theatrics became the resident theater company with a mission to contribute to and grwo the arts experience in Salem by producing professional theatre and providing theatrical education for the Willamette Valley; adding vibrancy to our beautiful Historic Downtown.

Panel two:

Photo caption one
These photos show difference signs on The Elsinore Theatre over its lifetime, including the damage sustained during the 1962 Columbus Day Storm. Opened in 1926 as a silent cinema house, The Elsinore Theatre later added vaudeville and became home to the Mickey Mouse Club Matinee on Saturdays (1930’s). For fifty years it operated as a movie house and fell into disrepair in the 1970’s. In 1980 it was saved from demolition by a committee of caring citizens. Over the next 15 years it was established as a non-profit, funds were raised for its purchased, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Over three summers (2002-2004) it went through major ($3.4 million) restoration effort, “Return to Grandeur”, funded largely by the community. With over 1300 seats, The Elsinore Theatre is now a vibrant hub of arts, culture, and entertainment offering performances and programs that make a valued contribution to the quality of life in our capital city in ways that inspire, challenge, educate, and entertain all who enter its doors.

Photo caption two
Bligh’s Capitol Theater on State Street in 1927

Erected by City

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of Salem, Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Cultural Trust.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.

Location. 44° 56.433′ N, 123° 2.19′ W. Marker is in Salem, Oregon, in Marion County. It is in the Central Area. It is at the intersection of Court Street Northeast and High Street, on the right when traveling south on Court Street Northeast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 525 Court Street NE, Salem OR 97301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Oregon Wine Country

and in the Willamette Valley.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast,

in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Cascade Range,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Grand Theater & Odd Fellows Lodge (within shouting distance of this marker); T.G. Bligh Building

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, October 14, 2025

2. Salem’s Theatrical History Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); The Grand Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Arthur Moore Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Meyers Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Salem (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Salem’s Chinatown (about 400 feet away); Public Amusement in Salem (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, October 14, 2025

3. Salem’s Theatrical History Marker

Reed Opera House building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, October 14, 2025

4. Reed Opera House building

Grand Theater building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, October 14, 2025

5. Grand Theater building

Elsinore Theatre building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, October 14, 2025

6. Elsinore Theatre building

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 81 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 27, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.