| The Rex first opened its doors on November 9, 1920.
Built by Floyd Schultz as a combination house, the Rex had both
a stage for live performances and roll up screen for motion pictures.
While most houses focused on vaudeville, Schultz was quoted as saying
that his mission was "to present the best in moving pictures,
vaudeville, and legitimate drama." It wasn't until the end
of the roaring 20's, when the first talkies were produced, that
the movies began to take center stage across the nation. Until then
movies were considered only a 'chaser' to live performances. Certainly
this was great era for the Rex with Clay Center's booming growth
and favorable reviews from local newspapers. According to the Clay
Center Economist, the Rex was "one of the finest play houses
between Kansas City and Denver." |
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Business was good even during the toughest years of
the Great Depression. With little to no savings, banks and businesses
closing their doors, and the stock market crash, most people were
struggling to find work so they could feed their families, yet Americans
made motion pictures their escape from life's harsh realities. The
Wizard of Oz, King Kong, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs were
just a few of the features that kept people coming back to the theater
for more. |
| The
Rex Theater's Stage and Roll Up Screen |
| With America's entry in to World War II, the economy
began to recover. However, the economic damage to small midwestern
towns like Clay Center was already done. People had begun to migrate
to larger cities in search of employment and opportunities, and
the trend continued long after the war's end. Clay Center experienced
a steady decline in population every decade since the Depression.
With fewer patrons and an aging facility, the Rex fell in to a state
of disrepair. |
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The
restored marquee |
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It was in the 1980's that the balcony
was remodeled to create a second theater. After struggling
and having been closed and reopened many times over
the years, in 1996, the Rex was purchased by Clay Center
resident and entrepreneur Jeff Young. |
| Jeff's vision was to restore the theater
and to offer a venue for live performances and entertainment
as well as motion pictures. His belief that such cultural
forums are essential to the growth of any community and
his understanding of the plight of small business led him
to spearhead the effort to bring state and federal grants
to the city that would help the struggling businesses revitalize
and rejuvenate downtown.
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The
main projection booth |
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| As a result, the Rex as well
as many other businesses have seen many restoration projects
completed in the last few years. The marquee, the theaters,
the stage, and the roll up screen are just a few of those
that resulted from his foresight and untiring efforts.
The Rex became home to the Clay Center Community Chamber
Orchestra LLC in 1997, and it continues to serve Clay Center
by hosting live performances and cultural exhibitions in
addition to its regular weekend movie schedule.
Additional Information is available at:
Information about supporting the Rex can
be found at www.FriendsoftheRex.org
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