The Walla Theater in the Walhalla Mountaineer, 1949-1988

This document details research conducted toward nomination of the Walla Theater, in Walhalla, North Dakota, to the National Register of Historic Places. The research in microfilm of the Walhalla Mountaineer was largely conducted by Eric Mischnick, a graduate student in History at North Dakota State University and a staff member of the Center for Heritage Renewal. The center, directed by Tom Isern, was involved in the nomination process by virtue of Dr. Isern’s work with the Walhalla community under the NDSU Extension program, “Building Community Vitality through Cultural Arts.”

11/3/49	Theatre Construction is Progressing Satisfactorily	First mention of the Walla Theater in the newspaper: Ideal weather has made it possible for the Swedberg Construction Co., to keep schedule on the new theatre in Walhalla. By the middle of this week the outside walls were expected to be completed, with the roof to be laid next, followed by the front.
3/2/50	Fire Damages New Theatre: Tuesday Morning Blaze Causes Considerable Smoke Damage at Walla	Before the theater even opens, it is damaged by fire. Work by the Swedberg Construction Co., on the new Walla Theatre, was expected to be completed this week, but fire, of unknown origin, broke out some time during the early morning hours of Tuesday, and done considerable damage. The blaze was confined to the wash room at the rear of the new theatre, but smoke damage spread through the heat louvers and will necessitate replacing most of the N-Wood ceiling, as well as the special tile decoration on the walls. No estimate of the damage was available at press time.
6/15/50	New Walla Theatre to Hold Grand Opening June 22^nd: Public to Get First Glimpse of New 446 Seat, $100,000 Theatre Here	The first in-depth coverage of the theater, comprising the lead story at top of page 1 and a continuation on the back page: The new Walla theatre will hold its grand opening Thursday, June 22, an announcement in this issue of the Mountaineer states. Workmen are putting the finishing touches to the new $100,000 structure this week, and everything is expected to be in readiness for the opening night. Seats were installed the past week, and minor work is expected to take all of this week, with the moving of the new Century equipment from the old building Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. No shows are scheduled for June 19, 29, and 21. The new Walla is a structure 38x120 feet, with an art stone front. Its spacious lobby and foyer is in green, gray and red, with green and gray walls and doors, with a red oak leaf wall design. The auditorium has a dark green bottom trim, with light green and gray walls, also with red trim and design. Leedom rugs, which will carpet the foyer and the aisles are in light red and tan. The 446 seats in the auditorium and cry room are some of the finest Body-form chairs put out by the American Seating company, and are in red. The lobby, foyer, projection room, rest rooms, cry room, manager’s office and box office are heated by hot water boiler system, with the auditorium heated by hot air with United States air conditioning, air washer and cooling system. The canopy has both flood and running lights with two big name signs on each side in neon. Two outstanding pictures have been secured by Mr. Campbell, owner for the opening week end, with “The Reformer and the Redhead”, starring June Allyson and Dick Powell, booked for the first three nights, June 22, 23, and 24, while “The Daughter of Rosie O’Grady”, starring Jane Haver, and Gordon MacRae, are billed for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday June 25, 26 and 27. Both are releases less than a month old. Show times include a matinee Sunday at 2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday evening shows and June 22, 23, and 24 shows at 7:15 and 9:15, with one showing other nights at 8:15. There will be no change in admission prices, Mr. Campbell stated. In a page advertisement in another section of this issue Walhalla merchants are joining with the rest of the community in extending congratulations to the management of the new Walla.
6/15/50	Grand Opening of the New Walla Theatre Thursday, June 22^nd	Large display ad announces, It is with great pleasure that we are able to bring to the residents of Walhalla, Pembina and Cavalier counties, one of the finest theatres in the northwest. Additional seating capacity will enable us to better accommodate the fine patronage we have been receiving, and all the other improvements, we believe, will make your stay with us more enjoyable. . . . We cordially invite you to be present at the grand opening next Thursday. Bring the entire family. No change in admission prices! . . . Motion pictures are the very best entertainment that money can buy! Attend often!
6/22/50	New Theatre Opens Here This Evening: Public to Get First Glimpse of New, All-Modern Walhalla Theatre	Announcing the “grand opening”: Everything is in readiness for the grand opening of the new Walla theatre this evening, with workmen putting the finishing touches to last minute details Wednesday, including the changeover of the sound equipment from the old theatre, which took the greater part of three days. Carpeting was laid last week end, and drapes were hung Monday of this week, with the electricians finishing up minor connections Tuesday. Mr. Weston of the Swedborg Construction Co., constructors of the new $100,000 home supervised the final stages of the work. Plans and specifications for the new theatre were prepared by Perry Crosier and Sons, architects, of Minneapolis. Doors will open at 6:15 for tonight’s grand opening show, which will start at 7:15. “The Reformer and the Redhead,” starring June Allyson and Dick Powell, with David Wayne, Cecil Kellaway, Ray Collins and Robert Keith will be featured in the opening showing and will also run Friday and Saturday, with two shows each night at 7:15 and 9:15. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday’s show will feature “The Daughter of Rosie O’Grady”, starring June Haver and Gordon MacRae; with “The Doctor and the Girl”, with Glenn Ford, Charles Coburn, Gloria De Haven and Janet Leigh, Wednesday and Thursday, rounding out the grand opening week.
6/29/50	New Walla Holds Grand Opening	The report on the grand opening reflects considerable community pride. The new Walla theatre held its grand opening Thursday evening of last week, and hundreds attended the first showing in the new quarters, acclaimed by all as one of the finest show places in the northwest. Official ceremonies Thursday evening found Mayor Hector Johnstone cutting the ribbon to herald the grand opening as Loretta Karel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Milton Karel gained the honor of purchasing the first ticket for a seat in the new theatre. Peter Campbell, proprietor, welcomed the opening crowd at pre-show ceremonies and Mayor Johnstone spoke in behalf of the community, congratulating Mr. Campbell on the new home. Milton Swedberg of the Swedberg Construction Co., of Wheaton, Minn., contractors, in charge of the construction of the new theatre, also offered his congratulations.
6/29/50	Walla Theatre: Thank You!	A notice from the Campbell family reflects community support for the new theater. The management of the New Walla Theatre wished to extend thanks to all those who had a part in helping us to make our grand opening such a success! We wish to thank all the Walhalla businessmen for the congratulation ads run in the Mountaineer, the many who donated flowers for the grand opening and the many who came out on grand opening night and over the week end! We wish to thank those who made arrangements for this most welcome event! —The Campbells This notice appears over a theater advertisement for two upcoming features, Fighting Man of the Plains (starring Randolph Scott) and Challenge to Lassie.
7/13/50	This Is the Home of the New Walla Theatre	A feature comprising four photographs depicts a crowd of attendees under the Walla marquee; the seats and screen in the theater; the crowd in the seats for the grand opening; and floral arrangements sent to the theater by local businesses, for the grand opening.
12/7/50	Santa’s Coming December 22	The Walla offers a new venue for the established Christmas-party tradition of Walhalla. Hey Kids! Santa Claus is coming to town soon. In fact, the Jolly Old Gent will be here Friday, December 22^nd, at the Walla theatre, according to Emil Gagnon, Santa’s chief helper, who is starting his 22^nd year making arrangements for the annual Christmas party. Two big shows have been planned at the Walla, one to start at 2:00 p.m. and the other at 3:30 p.m. Candy and nuts and other goodies will be passed our at both showings. The event this year, as last, is being sponsored jointly by the Walhalla Civic Club, the Barthlette-Resler Post of the American Legion and Mr. Peter Campbell of the Walla Theatre. Mr. Gagnon is in charge of all arrangements.
12/28/50	Record Crowd at Annual Christmas Party: Santa Also Visits St. Mary School, Delivers Home-makers Parcels	One of the largest crowds in the many years of the annual Christmas tree program was on hand Friday of this week, as the Walhalla Civic Club, the American Legion and the Walla Theatre joined in bringing Santa to the city on his annual visit. Over 800 crammed the Walla Theatre at two comedy presentations[s], one at 2:00 and the other at 3:30 p.m. In addition to the show, children attending were given a bag of goodies and put in late orders to Santa for Christmas needs. Emil Gagnon was in charge of arrangements and the genial gent from up North Pole was portrayed by Steve Bisenius. Thursday at St. Mary school 102 were entertained by Santa, in the role of Emil Gagnon. Candy and other goodies were given out, and gifts were also exchanged. Sixteen families in Walhalla had happier Christmases this year, as a result of activity by the Walhalla Homemakers club. Boxes packed and distributed by Mr. Gagnon for Santa Claus included toys and clothing.
3/29/51	John Deere Show Set Here April 4: Two Shows Are Slated at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Free Lunch at Noon	Another annual event moving to the Walla as a venue is the promotional day for John Deere farm implements. “One Happy Family” will be the feature picture to be shown at the annual John Deere day slated for Walhalla Wednesday, April 4^th, it is announced this week by John Lorenz, owner of Lorenz Implement here, who are sponsoring the show. Because of the anticipated large attendance, two shows have been scheduled, the first at 9:30 in the morning, and the second at 1:30 p.m. Free lunch will be served at the company store starting at noon and continuing until after the second show. Admission will be by ticket and these are available to all farmers and their families at the store. In addition to the feature picture, other film releases to be shown at the Walla theatre include: “His Father’s Choice”; “Oddities in Farming”, “What’s New for 1951”, “‘Mike’ on the Move”, and “The All-American Team.”
8/30/51	Show to Help Raise Funds for Sports Field	A fund-raising event at the Walla shows the theater to be at the hub of a vital and active community. A special show has been billed for the Walla theatre Tuesday, Sept. 4, through the courtesy of the management of the theatre, and under the sponsorship of the Walhalla Gun club and Pembina County Wildlife Federation. Receipts from the picture will go towards the new athletic field which is being developed here. Two shows have been slated, with the firs showing at 7:15 and the second at 9:15. On the evening’s program will be a high class feature picture “Mad Wednesday”; a unique colored outdoors and wildlife feature “Beaver Valley”, which was shown at the Walla some time ago; and a short subject “The Big Shoot” featuring the “World Series” in trap shooting, the grand American championships held each year at Vandalia, Ohio, the largest shooting meeting in the world. Although the picture is being sponsored by the gun club, no part of the proceeds go to the group. The club was active in helping to obtain for the city the plot of ground, 18 acres in area, which has been purchased and deeded to the city as a future sports park. The purchase was made possible by a group of local residents who made themselves responsible for the indebtedness incurred, and liable for its payment. The gun club has already made a payment of $500 on the purchase, and has also made a substantial beginning toward the establishment of new and permanent shooting facilities for Walhalla. There is ample room in the area and desirable locations for baseball diamonds, a school football field, and other sports and outdoor entertainment requirements. The area is triangular in shape and is located between Walhalla and the airport, west of Highway No. 32 and north of the railway spur and potato warehouses. The land had been summerfallowed for farm purposes last year, previous to its purchase, and this season through the generous loans of equipment and labor for seeding and harvesting, a good crop of wheat is expected to help considerably in liquidating the purchase price. Tickets for the special show will be sold by gun club members and will also be available at the following business places here and near the city: Barta’s Super Value, Hec’s Clothing, Walhalla Coop. Oil Co., McDonald’s and Midway Bars, Gryte Variety, J.C. Penney Co., Jackson’s Bar, ABC Bar, Lorrayne Bar, Walhalla Hardware, Gambles, Ole Martineau at Leroy, Camden Saylor at Leyden, and at the store at Concrete. Adults will include a donation of sixty-one cents in addition to the regular admission, a total of $1.00, while children’s admission will be 25 cents and tickets on sale only at the theatre at the time of the show. Sponsors will appreciate having the Walla filled to capacity for both shows. Officers of the gun club, who personally wish to endorse the support of this project, and promise an enjoyable show are Dr. M.L. Huffman, president; Albert Barta, vice president; Lloyd Dalzell, secretary-treasurer and directors Bert Smith, Arthur Best, James Shepard, Peter Campbell and Ole Martineau.
8/30/51	Tex Ritter Show to Headline Special Day Here Sept. 6^th	The singing cowboy star features in the single most remembered incident in the history of the Walla. Tex Ritter, America’s most beloved Cowboy, one of the first singing stars in the films and the first major sagebrush vocalist in radio, is credited with starting the vogue for Cowboy songs in the East ten years ago. Starred in the original Lone Star Ranger Series (as writer and performer) in New York, Ritter appeared on half a dozen other net work shows, including “Death Valley Days”, as Tex Ritter’s Campfire and Cowboy Tom’s Roundup before turning to the stage and starring in the New York theatre Guild sensation,” Green Grow the Lilacs,” which ran for two years in New York and on the road. This was followed by other western plays, which eventually brought him to Hollywood under contract to Grand National. He worked for four years for Grand National and Monogram under producer Edward Finney, and then gained contracts at both Columbia and Universal, starring in a total of more than seventy western pictures. Today, Ritter is hailed as one of the nation’s most outstanding recording artists. Under contract to Capitol Records, he turned out in the past year such outstanding hits as “Toodle-oo, My Darling”, “Teach Me to Forget”, “Bats in Your Belfry”, “The Last Mile”, “One Little Teardrop Too Late”, “Love Me Now”, “Have I Told You Lately that I Love You”, “When You Leave, Don’t Slam the Door”, “Long Time Gone” and many others. For period of several months, at one time, his records were on the Western Hit Parade, according to the survey of Billboard, national entertainment trade paper. Ritter was born in Panola County Texas. His father raised cotton, corn, peanuts, hogs and cattle on land first settled by Tex’s great-grandfather, Frank Ritter, in 1830. He learned to ride, shoot and rope shortly before he could walk; listened to tales of early Texas settlers and sang their songs. At the University of Texas, his early background gave him an advantage in folk songs and folk lore. He became a protégé of Prof. J. Frank Dobie, leading folk lore authority in Texas, and toured as a singing lecturer known as the “Texas Cowboy and His Songs.” Wandering minstrelsy took him to Chicago, where he enrolled at Northwestern University to further his law studies, started at Austin, but after a year, a yearning for the footlights took hold of him, and he went to New York and the radio. His greatest handicap in radio and on the stage was his Texas accent until inpouring fan mail convinced radio executives that this lanky young Texan had something on the ball. His hobbies are prospecting (he owns several tungsten, manganese silver and other mines) and collecting Americana. He is regarded as an authority on Americana and his collection of cowboy, mountain and Negro songs is extremely valuable. They live on a ranch in Van Nuys, called the Lazy TNT Ranch, and have two sons, Jonathan and Tommy. The animals at Tex’s ranch include his screen horse, White Flash; his wife’s horse, Crickett, two English Spaniels, and a German Shepherd, a flock of ducks and prize Bantam chickens. He has written many songs of his own including “I’ve Done the Best I Could”, “Gold Is Where You Find It”, “Headin’ for the Rio Grande” and “High Wide and Handsome”. Recently, Ritter began touring the county and establishing new box office records everywhere with his NEW WESTERN REVUE. Following his present tour, Ritter will return to Hollywood for a new motion picture, radio and recording commitments. The front-page article is accompanied by photographs of Ritter and his horse, and also a second feature summarizing his career. Blending the humor and philosophical qualities of Will Rogers with a rich singing voice, Tex Ritter, America’s foremost singer of folk songs is coming to the Walla Theatre for a personal appearance with his new Western Revue, Thursday, Sept. 6, with a continuous showing, starting at 2 p.m. Unique amongst the Cowboy stars, Ritter gained his background for folk music and folksay in Texas, where he was born and educated. A student at the University of Texas, he launched out as a singing lecturer on folk music, winding up in New York with a career on the state and radio. After starring in such great plays as “Green Grow the Lilacs”, Hollywood wooed him and won him for seventy western action pictures. By reputation and through his outstanding Capitol records, he remains America’s leading singer of western and hillbilly folk songs. Recently Ritter recorded two albums for Capitol which are destined to be not only items for collectors of folk music, but also classics among those who love real American music. Finally, an insert (headed, “Merchants Offer Special Prices for September 6) in the front-page coverage indicates the collaboration of the business community in the event. Walhalla merchants are joining with the management of the Walla theatre, to make Thursday, September 6, a day worth coming to Walhalla, both from a saving standpoint and for entertainment deluxe. A portion of this issue of the Mountaineer contains special ads listing exceptional buys in nearly every line. Readers are urged to read the merchants’ messages, and come to Walhalla on Thursday, Sept. 6^th.
9/13/51	Sports Field Benefit Show Nets $165.00	Follow-up on the benefit show in the theater for the community’s sports complex. Approximately $165.00 was realized from the benefit show at the Walla Theatre on Sept. 4^th, which was sponsored by the Walhalla Gun Club, The sponsors wish again to thank the management of the Walla Theatre and others who aided in promoting the special show.
12/20/51	Santa to Be Here Friday	The community Christmas party returns to the theater for the second year, indicating the development of a community tradition. Santa Claus will be here Friday this week at the Walla Theatre, Emil Gagnon has advised the Mountaineer. Mr. Gagnon is starting his 23^rd year as Santa Claus’ official representative in Walhalla, and according to information received from the North Pole headquarters, he is planning a gala program at the local theatre, along with the passing out of goodies for all youngsters in the Walhalla community. The first show at the theatre will start at 2:00 p.m., with the second show commencing at 3:30 p.m. The show is made possible this year by The Walhalla Civic Club, the American Legion, and the management of the Walla theatre.
1/31/52	Raise $167 for March of Dimes	Coverage of the March of Dimes campaign indicates a sense of charitable responsibility. A total of $167.26 was raised at the Walla Theatre during the week of January 20-27, in the March of Dimes drive, Peter Campbell, proprietor announced this week. The total is the highest in history in theatre March of Dimes campaigns. Sunday, January 20^th was the largest single day collections, when theatre patrons gave $61.56. Mr. Campbell wishes to thank the many who contributed to this worthy cause. He also wishes to thank the two girls, Myrna Tetrault and Vernice Lee, who assisted with the work.
7/3/52	Plans Complete for Fourth Event Friday	The newspaper describes a traditional sort of celebration, with the Walla figuring as one feature. Events include a trap shoot, a band concert, picnicking, races, baseball, fireworks, and a dance. Everything is in readiness for the annual Fourth of July celebration here Friday, according to those in charge of arrangements. . . . Also on the afternoon program is continuous movies at the Walla Theatre, and golfing at the Walhalla Country Club.
12/11/52	Santa to Arrive Here Dec. 19	Notice of this year’s Santa show is couched as a telephone report from Emil Gagnon to Santa Claus. “Yes, Santa, we’ll be expecting you in Walhalla at the Walla theatre on Friday, Dec. 19. Mr. Campbell of the Walla has two rip-snorting, comedy packed shows scheduled, and he wants you on hand to visit with the kiddies. You’ll have to get an early start, ’cause the shows start at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. What did you say,—have we any snow? No, Santa, not yet,—it’s drier than Sahara here, so guess you’ll have to come by car, train or plane. “Yes, Santa, the kids have all been pretty good this year,—and arrangements have been made for the usual treats, candy, apples, nuts, etc. It’s going to be a great day. I’m making all the arrangements again this year,—but, am I getting old,—it seems like I’ve been your helper ever since you went up north. “Well, guess I’d better be going,—got to start getting things in shape for the big day.” EMIL GAGNON Your Walhalla Helper, Walhalla, N. Dak.
12/25/52	900 Attend Santa Event Here Friday	The report after the Santa show indicates a thriving community tradition. “We had the most successful Christmas tree program in history”, Emil Gagnon, chairman of the Civic Club committee, who along with the management of the Walla theatre sponsored the event again this year. Over 900 bags of candy were given out at two shows held at the Walla theatre in the afternoon, with Santa Claus making his annual visit. The Jolly Old Gent came this year by plane, his first air trip to the city, with the Walhalla Flying Service through the courtesy of Oscar Ness, furnishing the gransportation. The plane landed at the Walhalla Gun Club grounds, and taxied to the theatre. In addition to the two shows, Santa and Mr. Gagnon made calls on the aged and sick, with 30 called on, in addition to the Engie Old Folks Home. Mr. Gagnon wishes to thank all those who helped make the program the outstanding success it was.
3/19/53	John Deere Day Set March 27	The report on an upcoming John Deere day indicates the evolving details of this annual event. John Lorenz, Jr., local John Deere dealer, has announced March 27^th, as the date for this year’s John Deere day program. Free to farmers and their families, the program will be held at the Walla theatre. The feature picture, “Paradise for Buster”, is a comedy and stars Buster Keaton, popular clown of stage and screen. Other films included on the program are “Tom Gordon Goes Modern”, the story of the new John Deere models 50 and 60 tractors; “Costly Bargains”, a picture showing how the quality of John Deere parts is maintained; “Oddities in Farming”, consisting of scenes of rare farming practices; and “What’s New for 1953”, unveiling the complete line-up of John Deere equipment for the coming year, showing this equipment at work in the field, and demonstrating briefly all outstanding features. Mr. Lorenz, in his announcement, mentioned that although the program is free to farmers and their families, admission will be by ticket only. He invites farmers, who have not received their tickets, or who require more, to be sure to stop at Lorenz Implement and ask for them.
12/17/53	“Emil! Tell the Kids I’ll Be in Walhalla Friday, Dec. 18^th—Santa Claus”	This year’s announcement of the Santa show describes new arrangements for Santa’s transportation to the scene. According to information received by Santa Claus Helper Emil Gagnon, Santa will come here by plane this year, unless a low ceiling or more snow changes his plans at the last minute. He has timed his arrival so that he will come down at Walhalla airport Friday, Dec. 18, around two o’clock and taxi from the Great Northern tracks to main street at the Northern Potato Co., and then to the Walla Theatre, where the free show will be held for the kiddies, through the courtesy of the Walhalla Civic Club and the management of the Walla. Arrangements are being made with Mayor Hector Johnstone and the local police to have cars park parallel from the Northern Potato Co. site to the theatre from the time of Santa’s arrival, until he leaves. Santa pointed out that with a bigger plane this year he would have to have a little more room on the streets. The first show is scheduled to start at 3:30 and a second will follow, between 3:30 and 4 o’clock. Goodies will be passed out in addition to the movie.
12/24/53	Over 1,000 at Xmas Program Here Friday	The Santa show tradition continues to grow. The annual Christmas tree program, as sponsored by the Walhalla Civic Club and the Walla Theatre Friday afternoon was one of the most successful held in more than a quarter of a century, it was reported by Emil Gagnon, who had charge of all arrangements. Ideal weather conditions made it possible for Santa to come by plane, taxiing to the Walla, where two free shows were held and candy, nuts, and oranges were passed out to the children. Better than 1,000 kiddies from the area were in attendance at the two shows. Mr. Gagnon wishes to thank those who helped make the program such an outstanding success, and the Mountaineer, in behalf of the sponsors, and those who took part, wish to say “Many Thanks” to Emil for another job well done,—his 25^th anniversary as Santa’s Aid in Walhalla.
3/25/54	John Deere Day to Be Held Mar. 30	John Deere day continues to bring farm families to the Walla. The John Deere day program Tuesday, March 30, sponsored by Lorenz Implement of this city, will be held at the Walla Theatre, starting at 1:30 p.m., with lunch being served after the show at the local store. Headlining the program will be “Mr. Christmas”, a full length entertainment feature, according to John Lorenz, proprietor of the local concern. The full length feature will be followed by four other color films. The picture, “Mr. Christmas,” is the story of the centennial celebration of a small town and how it affects the people who live there. Filmed especially for John Deere day, the story revolves around the selection of the guest of honor for the centennial event. The cast of the movie includes some of Hollywood’s outstanding character players, says Mr. Lorenz. The highly dramatic story includes laughs as well as plenty of suspense, he reports. The movie is filmed in beautiful color and Mr. Lorenz adds that it is the first time color process has been used for such a purpose. Other films on the program include “The Safety Pin”, featuring the John Deere day favorites, the Gordon family. Other films included on the afternoon program are “The Job Ahead”, “Oddities in Farming”, and “What’s New for 1954”. The program is free to all farmers and their families, but admission will be by ticket only. Farmers who have not received their tickets as yet are invited to stop in at the local store and ask for them.
12/30/54	1,000 Here for Santa Show	The Santa show tradition continues to thrive. One of the more successful Santa Claus days in recent years, was held in Walhalla Friday, when upwards of 1,000 children were guests of the Walla Theatre management and the Walhalla Civic Club at two free shows and later treated to goodies by Santa Claus and his helpers.
3/10/55	Raise $687 in Dimes Drive	The March of Dimes campaign continues annually, with the Walla being one scene of activity in the campaign. Walhalla raised $687.22 in the recent March of Dimes campaign, according to Larry Grahn, who had charge of the local drive. The per capita total of each city resident amounted to only forty-seven cents. Canvassing of businesses and residences raised most of the money, but “$104.72 was taken in by the Walla Theatre in its annual drive.”
3/31/55	John Deere Day Scheduled Today	John Deere day continues much as in previous years, including standard John Deere-made productions. “Miss Hattie” is the story of a lovable little lady who has taken upon herself the task of putting the small community’s life to music. The story emphasizes the intense drama that can often be going on under the seeming serenity of small town life. Other films on the program are “Freedom for Eric,” featuring the John Deere favorites, the Gordon family.
12/22/55	Over 600 Attend Christmas Party	Attendance is down this year “due in part, to the heavy roads in some areas, and the extremely frigid weather.” The Walla Theatre and the Walhalla Civic Club were sponsors again, but this year “E.L. Anderson made arrangements for Santa Claus’ appearance.”
3/8/56	John Deere Day Slated March 22	Arrangements are as in past years, the event again featuring films made for John Deere.
12/12/56	Storm Stops Santa Visit	Bad weather forced cancellation of a scheduled visit by Santa, but it is rescheduled for Tuesday, December 13. Additional details in the newspaper article indicate that the Santa show tradition may be falling on hard times. Although annually sponsored by the Walhalla Civic Club and the Walla Theatre, this year’s expense of the Santa visit is being borne by moneys from a reserve fund from the city, and the Walhalla Fire Department, along with the theatre management.
2/7/57	John Deere Day Here Feb. 14^th	This year’s John Deere event is advertised much as in previous years, but with a special notice under the heading, “Local Men to Appear in John Deere Film.” Local men will appear in the John Deere movie to be shown at the Walla Theatre Thursday, Feb. 14, among them Martin Bjornstad, who was interviewed here last fall during the filming of the show. In addition part of the show will show combining operations in this part of the state, where the company conducted an experimental program last fall.
2/14/57	Theatre Raises $55.17 for Polio	Donations for the March of Dimes at the Walla are down this year, although Mr. Campbell thanks those who assisted with collections.
12/26/57	Big Crowd Attend Santa Event in City Monday	The paper reports “one of the largest crowds in recent years” for the Santa show, as the event has new organizers. The Walhalla Fire Department was in charge of arrangements for the event this year, cooperating with Mr. Peter Campbell of the Walla Theatre, who furnished the free show. In addition there were subscriptions from many city merchants.
2/6/58	East Meets West in the John Deere Day Musical Comedy	A paid advertisement promotes the upcoming John Deere day and company-produced features. This year, the ad notes, “No Tickets Required.”
2/13/58	Annual John Deere Day to Be Held Here February 20	News article promotes the company features to be shown.
2/26/59	Walla Theatre	Theater advertisement not only lists features but also gives prices of admission effective March 1 (evidently a change): adults 50 cents, children 15 cents; Sunday shows adults 50 cents, “children not with parent” 20 cents.
2/26/59	John Deere day to be held March 2. Besides the theater events, there will be free lunch and demonstrations at the dealership.
10/8/59	A total of $82.58 was raised the past week at the Walla for the Variety Club’s Heart Hospital Fund.
11/10/59	Santa Claus and a free show at the Walla on December 10, sponsored by the Walhalla Fire Department and the Walla.
12/17/59	800 bags of candy were passed out at the Santa show, with packed houses for two shows.
2/18/60	John Deere day is March 2, with free movies at the Walla and free lunch at the dealership.
12/22/60	Despite bad weather, about 800 kids attended the Santa show, sponsored by the Walhalla Fire Department, the Walla, and local businesses.
2/9/61	“Deere Day” will be February 23; tickets to be picked up at the John Deere dealership.
6/1/61	Ben-Hur	Unusually large display ad promotes Ben-Hur, winner of eleven academy awards including Best Picture. The film will play for eleven days, June 7-17. Ticket prices have increased: adults $1.25 for evening shows and Sunday matinees, $1.00 for Saturday matinees; children 60 cents all shows.
11/30/61	Minstrel Show Set Tonight	This is the first notice of community theater taking place at the Walla. The Walhalla American Legion Auxiliary minstrel show “Sugar Foot” will be presented this evening (Wednesday, Nov. 29), and tomorrow evening, both nights at 8:00 o’clock, at the Walla Theatre. The production is under the direction of Miss Mildred Gratz. The show will consist of musical, comedy and dancing numbers, with 28 taking part. All performers are listed.
12/21/61	More than 750 kids attended the Santa show, with the same sponsors as last year.
2/22/62	Talent Show Is Set Here Friday	Another non-film community event is scheduled at the Walla. The band parents will sponsor a talent show at the Walla Theatre Friday, Feb. 24, starting at 8:00 p.m., and according to talent already registered for the competition, it looks like it will be one of the best ever held here.
3/1/62	John Deere day to be March 5, with tickets available at the dealership.
12/20/62	One of the largest crowds ever attended the Santa show—only 1952 saw a larger attendance. More than 900 bags of candy were distributed. Sponsors were the same as last year.
3/7/63	John Deere day to be held March 6, tickets available at the dealership.
12/12/63	Despite bad weather, some 650 kids attended the Santa show.
2/20/64	John Deere day to be held March 4.
6/18/64	As part of the first Walhalla 4^th of July festival in eight years, the Walla will have continuous showings of Walt Disney’s The Incredible Journey on July 4.
12/17/64	Two free movies once again for the Santa show, with more than 700 kids attending, sponsored by the Walhalla Fire Department, local businesses, and the Walla.
2/18/65	John Deere day is scheduled for March 1.
4/1/65	City Stores Plan Shows, New Hours	City merchants announce new promotions involving the Walla. At a meeting of the Walhalla Civic Club’s Merchant committee the past week, it was decided by the group to sponsor free shows once each week to youngsters as a part of their summer program, it was announced by Allan Ludwig, chairman. Free shows will start Friday, April 9 at the Walla Theatre, and be held each week until further notice. The shows are being made available by Walhalla merchants, with a complete listing of the sponsors to be contained in next weeks issue of the Mountaineer. Walhalla stores, for the most part, will start staying open Friday evenings until 9:00 o’clock, starting this Friday, April 2, and continue until further notice. They will be closed Saturday evenings.
12/16/65	750-800 kids attended the Santa show.
1/6/66	John Deere day scheduled for January 19.
12/8/66	Santa show scheduled at the Walla for Saturday.
1/12/67	John Deere day scheduled for February 1.
12/21/67	“Good crowds” reported for the two movies at the Santa show.
2/8/68	John Deere day scheduled for February 27.
12/12/68	Santa show scheduled for December 14, the usual sponsors. [There is no follow-up article reporting attendance.]
2/6/69	John Deere day scheduled for February 13.
12/11/69	Santa show scheduled for December 13.
1/15/70	John Deere day scheduled for Saturday.
9/3/70	Theatre Closes after 43 Years in Business	The newspaper reports sad news for the community—the closing of the Walla, following the death of Peter Campbell. With the showing of the “Reivers”, the Walla Theatre in this city closed it’s doors Sunday evening, Aug. 30, after operating in the building, pictured above, for the past 20 years. Announcement of the closing was made by the family of the late Peter Campbell,—including Mrs. Rose Campbell, Howard of St. John, Clarence of Walhalla, and Mrs. Frank Belinsky of Bismarck. The all-new theatre opened June 22, 1950, with the showing of the “Reformer and the Red Head”. The Campbell family has been in the theatre business, dating back to March 7, 1927, when they operated the old Opera House, which Mr. Campbell purchased from the Odd Fellows lodge in 1924, which now houses the Walla Lanes, operated by Mr. Campbell for a number of years until he disposed of the alleys to Fred Eastman. The Opera House was located just to the right of the present building. He later added a Dairy Queen Store just to the right of the alleys, which he also disposed of to the Eastmans, they in turn, disposing of the store to Dean Horgan, and he selling it to Glenn Thompson, who operated it until this year, when Mrs. Willie King took over. The property housing the alleys and the Dairy Queen is owned by the Thomas Schurman family.
1/13/72	Walla Theatre to Open Here Friday, Jan. 14	The newspaper reports an important transition in the history of the Walla. After being closed for more than a year, the Walla Theatre in this city, will open for business Friday of this week, it is announced by Mrs. Willie King, who has made arrangements for the opening with the Campbell family, owners, and the Walhalla Development Corporation, who are seeking a loan through the Small Business Administration for the purchase of the business. The theatre has been cleaned throughout, and some repairs made, necessary for the opening at this time. Mrs. King told the Mountaineer that some major renovations will be made in the future, and a grand opening held later on. Schedule of the opening movie, “Song of Norway”, a musical, featuring Florence Henderson, will be at 8:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14, at 2:00, 7:00 and 9:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, and at 8:00 p.m. Monday. Shows will be held four nights a week until further notice.
2/3/72	Merchants Sponsor Saturday Movies	Walhalla merchants once again begin support of matinees for children as a downtown business initiative. Pre-school and grade school children, grades one through six, will be guests of Walhalla business places at free Saturday afternoon movies at the Walla theatre, starting Saturday of this week. The matinees will start at 2:00 p.m., and are a project of the Walhalla Commercial Club. No tickets have to be picked up, and children, as long as they are in the right age group, may walk in. The movies will be continued until Easter, according to Albert Barta, chairman of the club’s merchant committee, who are in charge of arrangements.
12/14/72	After a two-year hiatus, there will be a Santa show with two free movies again this year, with the same sponsors as in years previous.
12/13/73	Santa show scheduled for December 15. For the first time, there will be only one movie showing instead of two [as will be the practice thereafter].
12/20/73	Photo features depicts Santa greeting children in the Walla lobby.
12/12/74	Santa show scheduled for December 14.
12/26/74	Santa Claus Was Here!	The report on this year’s Santa show is upbeat. Santa Claus was in our city Saturday, December 14, when the Walhalla Volunteer Firemen sponsored their free Christmas show at the Walla Theatre, with the local merchants picking up the tab. The event is an annual affair and Santa arrived here on time, as usual, and received special requests from the many youngsters. He is shown in the above photo [depicting Santa and children standing on the sidewalk in from of the Walla] chatting with Miss Brenda Hotten, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven “Butch” Hotten of this city, following the movie and two cartoons. Santa listened to her Christmas requests and wished her a very Merry Christmas. In the background is Walhalla’s main thoroughfare which was filled with shoppers who were getting into the Christmas spirit. The free movie gave the parents several hours of shopping without the youngsters tagging along on their coat tails and many of them made up for lost time in purchasing all their gifts while the kids were being entertained and each given a bag of goodies.
12/18/75	Santa show this Saturday.
12/16/76	Santa show on December 18.
12/14/77	Santa show December 17. Display notice includes a line drawing of Santa driving a fire engine.
8/23/78	The Walla Theatre will join in the celebration of “old-fashioned Saturday night” by offering two-for-one admission.
10/18/78	Old-fashioned Saturday night, with two-for-one movie admissions, to be observed again on October 21.
10/25/78	The Walhalla Jaycees and the Walhalla Fire Department will sponsor a free Halloween movie on Tuesday, October 31.
12/13/78	Santa show scheduled for December 16.
12/5/79	Santa show scheduled for December 15.
6/25/80	As part of the 4^th of July celebration, the Walla will show a cartoon movie at 4:00 p.m., admission 25 cents.
12/17/80	Santa show scheduled for Saturday.
12/16/81	Santa show scheduled for Saturday, with the usual sponsors.
11/24/82	The last advertisement for movie features at the Walla appears in this issue of the Mountaineer. The feature for November 26-28 will be Hanky Panky, starring Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner.
12/15/82	Santa show scheduled for December 15.
12/22/82	A advertisement placed in the Mountaineer by the Walla Theatre thanks customers for their business and wishes them a Merry Christmas. This is the final ad placed by the Walla.