At what date the Bison Theatre was built is unknown. The first mention of the theatre was in a 1928, with a seating capacity of 600 people. In 1948 the the threater was demoloshed and replace with a more modern theatre called the Vogue, with a seating capacity of 1050 people. While the Bison theatre no longer exists, you can’t help but think that the memory of the Bison still resides within the mascot of the Bison of Sunset High School, locate just a block north of the theatre.
The Vogue was built by the Robb & Rowley circuit and designed by the architectural firm of H.F. Pettigrew & Associates at a cost of $200,000. It’s architectural structure was quite unique as you can see from the old photo below. The Vogue opened to an invitation only event on March 21, 1949, with the public grand opening occured the following night. The featured film was “Blood on the Moon” staring Robert Mitchum and Barbara Bel Geddes. The Poster announcing the Grand Opening, stated the following features of the new theatre :
- STADIUM-TYPE THEATER, 1,050 BODY FORM SEATS
- SEATS DESIGNED FOR COMFORT
- Circulating Central Heating
- REFRIGERATED in Summer by Westinghouse
- TILED REST ROOMS
- LOUNG FOR YOUR COMFORT
- FIREPROOF ! . . . Completely !
- Drive within 10 feet of the box office
- click here to view the orignal poster —-> http://www.flickr.com/photos/30943004@N00/3999525300/
The Vogue Theatre officially closed it doors in 1971. But for 22 years it was a place that many young Oak Cliff Reisdents took their dates. After it’s closure, the Threatre was purchased by a Church. In 2010/2011 the front of the Vogue was destroyed and replace with a more Church like appearence, but it’s memory and spirit still reside in the heart of many Oak Cliff Residents.
Other photos of the old Vogue Theatre after becoming a Church:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/2435626015
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10166952@N08/2922716702/sizes/o/
