Ritzville in Adams County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
The Ritz Theatre
1937
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 12, 2017
1. The Ritz Theatre Marker
Prior to this structure being built, there were several small framed buildings on this site. One of those framed shanties housed a newspaper printing business, Der Beobachter. This 400-seat theatre was built for Roy Irvine, who ran the theatre. The theatre has been restored and second and third generation moviegoers have passed through these original doors. This is an excellent example of the Modern style of the 1930's, with the smooth stucco finish and an ornate vertical marquee featuring neon lighting. Many of the original features still remain, including the poster display windows, neon lighting and ticket window.
Erected by Historic Ritzville Walking Tour. (Marker Number 12.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.
Location. 47° 7.666′ N, 118° 22.797′ W. Marker is in Ritzville, Washington, in Adams County. It is at the intersection of East Main Avenue and North Division Street, on the left when traveling east on East Main Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 107 E Main Ave,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Washington’s Columbia Basin, in the Palouse, and in Greater Spokane. It is also in the American Mountain West and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pioneer State Bank (here, next to this marker); H.E. Gritman Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); N. H. Greene Building (about 300 feet away); E.D. Gilson Building (about 700 feet away); Adams County Bank (about 700 feet away); Ritzville Public Library 1907 (about 700 feet away).
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, June 12, 2017
2. The Ritz Theatre
Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 17, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
