The Lusk Standard, August 15, 1919

GARDEN THEATRE IS NOW OPEN

The new Garden Theatre held its grand opening last night, Aug. 14, a crowded house greeting the first picture to be thrown on the new gold film screen, and a delighted audience, speaking only words of praise for the new theatre and its management, and it is safe to write the future success of the new show house is assured.

Passing the entrance a glance at the ticket office, the framed photos of celebrities on either side one is reminded of Market street, and San Francisco.

The interior is elegant cozy and comfortable. Passing in at either of the entrances one moves noiselessly down the heavily-carpeted aisle, with rows of restful seats on either side, to the strains of the grand organ, in the pure air of the well-ventilated room. As the lights are turned off from the chandeliers on the ceiling the effect of the dimmer system of lights is seen, and the whole room assumes a rose-garden appearance. Floral decorations cover the entire front of the stage at the bottom of the screen; wreaths of flowers surround the overhead light, and the dimmer lights which line the walls are rosebuds of glass in many a softening hue of petal and leaf. And the pictures Harry Harvey will have on the screen will be the latest and best.

For the opening night "The Best Man" and the "Last of the Night Riders," were everything that could be expected and a great pleasure to the audience. Following these, on the dates given below, will be some of the most popular pictures now before the public, and shown for the first time in Wyoming at the garden.

Later the date will be given for the "Unpardonable Sin," which will be shown at the Garden for 50 cents. In no other show house has the picture been shown for a smaller price than $1.00.

 *****************************
The Lusk Standard, March 4, 1921

NEW MUSICAL INSTRUMENT IN GARDEN THEATRE

A most interesting piece of machinery in the shape of a photo-player was installed in the Garden Theatre the past week. It is unique from the fact that it seems to embrace the player piano and the pipe organ in one instrument. Miss Frankie Francis is handling the keyboard, and does it nicely, too, considering the fact that the instrument is new to her. She will be having it down in a short time so that she will be an operator that will bring forth great harmony from the instrument.

*****************************************

The Lusk Herald-Standard, November 1, 1923

BIG DAMAGE IN BLAZE AT SHOW HOUSE

Flames Threaten to Destroy Garden Theatre When Film Explodes

Operator’s Booth, With All Contents, is Totally wrecked; Loss is about $5,000

Lusk’s motion picture house, the Garden theatre, where many local and nearby residents have spent many and enjoyable afternoon or evening, is closed—for the present, at least.

This was caused by fire, which originated in the operator’s booth last Sunday afternoon, and which for a time threatened to destroy the entire Faust building. Quick action on the part of the local fire fighters, held the blaze to the operator’s room, and aside from smoke and water, this was the only section of the theatre that was materially damaged.

The origin of the blaze is a complete mystery to William Delahoyde, manager of the house. According to G.W. Lumbard, the operator, the film which exploded and created this loss had not been removed from its container—a galvanized iron film box. The flames burst forth at about 2:10 o’clock, just prior to the starting of the matinee program. Mr. Lumbard had not even lit the machine and the absence of a light of any nature in the booth makes the explosion more mysterious.

The box contained 10,000 feet of film and this was a total loss. It was valued at $600. The booth which was also completely destroyed, involved a loss of about $3,000. Other damage to the theater by smoke and water will bring the entire loss to between $4,000 and $5,000, it is thought.

There were but few patrons in the building at the time, it being half an hour or so before the program was to have started. These were mostly children and they were escorted to safety before the building had filled with smoke. The firemen made short work of the flames, but during their work, many of them were seen “coming out for air,” their eyes filled with tears brought by the smoke of the burning film.

The theatre will be closed pending the adjusting of the loss by insurance men, but it is hoped that it will be only a short time until the Garden will again throw open its doors to movie fans of this vicinity.

*************************************************

The Lusk Herald-Standard, November 26, 1925

GARDEN THEATRE WILL HAVE FINAL SHOW ON MONDAY

William Delahoyde Makes Announcement Early Part of Week

Lusk Will Miss Picture Show Because of High Class of Productions Brought Here

Lusk is soon to lose its only place of amusement—the Garden theatre—which has been the best picture house in the state bar none. The announcement was made this week by Wm. Delahoyde, owner and manager of the Garden. What his future contemplations are have not been divulged as yet.

The show of Sunday and Monday, November 29 and 30, will be the last, according to Mr. Delahoyde.

The closing of the show house has been a matter of discussion for the past two or three months, beginning when the postoffice department sent out an order calling for the removal of the Lusk postoffice quarters into the First National bank building. Every effort was made to devise some way and means to keep the picture show in operation but apparently all have failed.

Mr. Delahode hereby expresses his sincere thanks to those who have been loyal in supporting the Garden. The citizens of Lusk can in return thank Mr. Delahoyde for the high class of pictures he has at all time shown as it is doubtful if a better motion picture house can be found anywhere.

**************************************

The Lusk Herald-Standard, December 3, 1925

DELAHOYDE WILL GIVE FREE SHOW, SATURDAY, 5^TH

Good Bill Offered Residents of This Section by Garden Manager

“Bill” Invites All to Be His Guests Saturday in appreciation of Patronage Given Theatre

Motion picture fans of Lusk and vicinity are going to be the guests of William Delahoyde at the Garden theatre Saturday matinee and night, December 5^th.

Mr. Delahoyde made the announcement last week that the Garden theatre would close its performances with the show of Monday night and the house has been dark since. However, in appreciation of the patronage tendered the Garden during the time he has operated it, Mr. Delahoyde desires to thank the people of Lusk and surrounding territory and offers the free show to all.

The feature for the performances will be “The Luck Devil,” and it is said to be one of the best big comedies ever screened. Along with this headliner will be a good comedy and a Plathe News feature.

Remember, folks, this show is Mr. Delahoyde’s treat to you and he wants all who can possibly attend to be there.

**********************************************

The Lusk Herald-Standard, December 10, 1925

FREE PICTURE AT GARDEN THEATRE DRAWS CROWD

Large crowds attended both the matinee and evening showing of “The Lucky Devil,” at the Garden theatre last Saturday. This picture which was shown free at both performances was very good and greatly enjoyed by the audiences.

Mr. William Delahoyde has closed his picture show here, and gave his appreciation of the patronage that has been extended him during the years he has been in the motion picture business.

It is with genuine regret that Lusk citizens learned of the closing of the Garden theatre for all have been proud of the fine pictures shown by Mr. Delahoyde during the years he has been manager of this theatre.

***************************************************

The Lusk Herald-Standard, January 1, 1925

“and they say that”….column

Mr. William Delahoyde with his usual generosity expressed the Christmas spirit by giving a free picture show on Christmas day.

*************************************************

The Lusk Herald-Standard, March 11, 1926

GARDEN THEATRE TO OPEN MARCH 17^TH; BIG FEATURE IS SCHEDULED; DANCE WILL FOLLOW FIRST SHOW

G.J. Oliver Announces Opening in Other Columns of This Issue

Hopes to Run Motion Picture Show Every Night if Practicable; Best of Pictures Assured

Announcement in another column of this issue of the Herald-Standard confirms the report of several weeks ago the Garden Theatre would be opened by G. J. Oliver. This is the best news residents of this vicinity have had for some months because the loss of the show house thru the moving away of Wm. Delahoyde brought about a realization of the fact that Lusk could not get along without this place of amusement.

Mr. Oliver has everything going along smoothly and the theatre will be in complete readiness for the opening date St. Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, March 17^th.

One thing upon which Mr. Oliver may be commended is that he has secured contracts on the very best run of film features. He has taken a contract similar to that under which the Garden was operated by Mr. Delahoyde, it is announced, and this being the case, Luskites will enjoy the highest class of pictures obtainable.

The headliner for the opening date and following night is “The Pony Express,” one of the best of recent productions. It’s a Paramount, produced by James Cruze, and is said to be equally as good as “The Covered Wagon,” which made such a hit here about a year ago. Pictures of this class are not generally shown in towns the size of Lusk and expectations are that the Garden will be filled at all performances during the two-day run.

It is the plan of Mr. Oliver to run every night for the first two weeks, at least with matinees on Saturday and Sunday, and to continue that program unless the patronage does not warrant full-time running. In the event the show house will be open four nights each week.

It will remain with the people whether or not the full-week plan is to continue, and although it is difficult to determine at this time, it is certain that the newness of the picture show will not wear away within many weeks, if we surmise the situation of the past dew months correctly.

Dance to Follow Opening Show

The opening night will have more than the picture as a feature. A big dance, is also to be given and this promises to be one of the best for a long time. The Faust hall floor, roomy and pleasing as it always is, will be thrown open to the public for the first time in months. The floor will be treated so that it will be in the very best of condition. Music is to be furnished by a five-piece orchestra from Crawford and the members of this group of music-makers are said to have the classiest execution of all the latest dance numbers.

Its going to be a big evening all around, folks, so let’s all make our plans to attend both events. Let’s go!

************************************************

The Lusk Herald, March 10, 1927

GARDEN THEATRE CHANGES HANDS

Popular Playhouse is purchased by W. T. Porter of Newcastle—High Class Bill Assured

Negotiations are under way for the transfer of the management of the Garden Theatre to W. T. Porter of Newcastle, and it is expected that the deal will be completed on or before the 15^th of March.

J.G. Oliver opened the theatre here after it had been closed for several months, on March 17, 1926. On May 17 Messrs. Bishop and Miller, purchased the show house from Mr. Oliver, and under the present management the theatre had been kept up to a high standard and has been open continuously.

The new owners are practical show men and they will without doubt operate first-class theater and bring some high class shows to Lusk.