Entertainment in Enumclaw: A view of the ’50s from the balcony

By JoAnne Matsumura

The Legion Hall, left—later the Roxy Theatre—is now the Chalet. The Liberty Theatre, right, was torn down in 1952. The Enumclaw Police Department anchors the corner today.

Enumclaw in the 1950s was bustling with new growth—businesses were upgrading storefronts and buildings and contractors were building new houses in new developments. In fact, residents were encouraged to invite newcomers, and to fix up, clean up, and beautify Enumclaw from top to bottom.

It happened at the Roxy in the 1950s

Do you remember?

• The annual John Deere Day show.
• When Technicolor movies were introduced in 1952.
• Francis the Talking Mule, starring Donald O’Conner.
• Has Anybody Seen My Gal? about the “Turbulent Twenties.”
• Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in Jumping Jacks.
• Spencer Tracy and Gene Tierney in Plymouth Adventure.
• “Family Night” for $1, regardless of the size of your family.
• The new wide-screen Cinemascope, installed in 1954.

And the community responded with its well-known community spirit.

The growth spurred a varied entertainment scene throughout the city. The local newspaper covered the features at the theatres, the performers scheduled to entertain at school and church events, invitations to club events, and a host of other exciting activities for young and old alike.

Entertainment, by definition, is an activity that amuses one and thus entertains us with enjoyment, leisure, relaxation, recreation, and diversion from our daily routine. To entertain also entertains us as we entertain others. Amusements can range from a friendly card game to an elegant evening out with your “sweetie.”

But the local theatre was the place to be.

The Liberty Theatre, on the corner of Wells St. and Myrtle Ave. was, for many, their introductions to the movies. The Liberty had a large pipe organ, installed in 1924, but “Talkies” brought about its demise. The building was torn down in January of 1952.

Who can forget the peanuts, popcorn, and ice cream bon-bons from the Roxy snack bar?

More entertainment from the ‘Fab ’50s’

• Stan Boreson, the TV comedian and singer, performed at the Eagles Hall in 1952.
• Naches Trail Days, with its annual parade.
• Wrestling at the Lions Club.
• The rodeo at the Osceola Arena, with cowboys from across the West competing with local rodeo stars.
• Enumclaw Bowl—a popular place for families, couples, and singles.
• Fourth of July fireworks at the school.
• Roller skating at the Farmers Union Hall.
• The annual crowning of the King County Dairy Princess.

The Roxy Theatre operated in the former Legion Hall, which was built in 1928 and converted to a movie hall in 1947. Ken Kerr and his brother purchased the theatre in 1977 and renamed it the Chalet.

The Avalon Theatre, built in 1929, was located on Cole Street. It was demolished in 1961 for a brick building that once housed the American Federal Savings and Loan. Like other theatres, the Avalon’s era spanned from plays to silent movies to movies with sound.

While the theatre was the center of entertainment, Enumclaw had much more to offer its residents and visitors during the 1950s for enjoyment (see right, above). In fact, there’s not enough room for all the entertainment alternatives here, so stay tuned for more reminiscing about Entertainment in Enumclaw.

The Avalon Theatre, which was on the northwest corner of Cole St. and Myrtle Ave., was built in 1929.

What did you do for entertainment in Enumclaw in the 1950s?