Ruby Theatre

The Ruby Theatre is a historic movie theater in Chelan, Washington, United States. It opened in the summer of 1914 and was named after the first manager's daughter. The theater is believed to be the oldest continuously running movie theater in the Northwest and among the oldest and best preserved movie theaters in the country. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. The building retains its original horseshoe balcony, tin ceiling, and cast plaster proscenium arch, essentially the same as when the "Photo Play House" was constructed in 1914, while offering sharp digital projection, comfortable seats, and ductless HVAC.

Chelan's Historic Ruby Theatre opened in the summer of 1914. It was billed as "superior to most theaters, (…) the building is modern and far above average." The Ruby, named after the first Manager's daughter, is believed to be the oldest continuously running movie theater in the Northwest. The Ruby also is among the oldest and best preserved movie theaters in the country. In recognition of the Ruby's historical significance, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. The Ruby is one of many buildings and homes constructed by Chelan brothers, Herbert R. and Morrison M. Kingman, including the Campbells Resort's Matson Building a block down the street from the Ruby. The theater was constructed for a cost of $6,500. There is no record of an architect or designer for the theater and it is unknown where the Kingman's design originated for their photohouse. Movie theaters were in their infancy in 1914. At the time only a few photohouses had been designed specifically for showing film. Prior to this time, movies were being shown in spaces designed for other uses. Chelan's first films were shown at the Gem Theatre, located down the street from the Ruby. The Gem, typical of many early playhouses, was a non-descript building with a flat floor, benches for seating, with no lobby and no projection booth. The modern, new Ruby Theatre included a lobby, fireproof projection room, balcony seating, a piano pit, interior telephone system, electrical system for lights and equipment, modern projectors and central heating. The theatre seated 225 on the first floor and 125 in the balcony in their new "steel framed opera chairs." The Kelsey family took over the theat…

Historic movie theater with modern amenities

Product categories. Movie screenings

1. 1Chelan's Historic Ruby Theatre | Movie Times in Chelan, Washingtonrubytheatre.com
2. 2Ruby Theatre - Historyrubytheatre.com
3. 3Ruby Theatre - Historyrubytheatre.com