OPENING NIGHT OF THE THEATER IN APRIL 1949
The Huish Theater opened on April 27, 1949. The first movie shown in the theater was “Mother Was a Freshman” starring Loretta Young. The Huish had been constructed in memory of Charles E. Huish, a Payson native, who had planned to build the theater before his death in 1948. The theater had a seating capacity of 830 and boasted all the most modern equipment. Huish Enterprises also owned the Star Theater which had been in operation in Payson for the previous 25 years. Mr. Huish owned numerous other theaters by the name of Star in south-central Utah.
MURAL LOCATED IN FOYER OF THEATER--CENTER MURAL SHOWS PAYSON LOOKING FROM WEST MOUNTAIN AND THE ONES ON EACH SIDE ARE THE PAYSON LAKES
The theater chain’s name was changed to Huish-Gilhool Enterprises when Mr. Huish’s son-in-law took over operation of the theater organization. Eugene “Gene” Braithwaite was the manager of both the Star and Huish
THE THEATER WHEN THE MC FADDENS OPERATED IT FROM 1966 TO 1980
In the fall of 1966, Sam and Dorothy McFadden leased the theater and it reopened in October of 1966. Mr. McFadden had retired as the Western Regional Manager of Columbia Pictures. Mrs. McFadden had operated a screening room for theater bookers many years before in Portland, Oregon. They had always wanted to operate their own theater for many years.
The McFaddens operated the theater for six days a week and closed on Sundays. They also initiated the Tuesday Ladies Night. On this night, a lady would be admitted free with each paid adult admission. This was very popular with the residents of Payson and the surrounding area. The McFaddens were a well-accepted addition the Payson business community.
When Mr. McFadden passed away in 1972, Mrs. McFadden continued operation of the theater. She operated the theater until early 1980 when she retired.
Harold and Vilda Erickson took over the operation of the theater when Mrs. McFadden retired. Mr. Erickson had done much maintenance work on the theater equipment in many of the Huish-Gilhool theaters. They operated the theater for a number of years following many of the same polices that had started with the McFaddens.
After the death of Mr. Gilhool, his family then placed the theater for sale. Paul and Bunny Mower, also Payson residents, purchased the theater. They updated and remodeled much of the interior area of the building. They successfully operated the theater for a number of years before they decided to close and move to Arizona.
The McFaddens operated the theater for six days a week and closed on Sundays. They also initiated the Tuesday Ladies Night. On this night, a lady would be admitted free with each paid adult admission. This was very popular with the residents of Payson and the surrounding area. The McFaddens were a well-accepted addition the Payson business community.
When Mr. McFadden passed away in 1972, Mrs. McFadden continued operation of the theater. She operated the theater until early 1980 when she retired.
Harold and Vilda Erickson took over the operation of the theater when Mrs. McFadden retired. Mr. Erickson had done much maintenance work on the theater equipment in many of the Huish-Gilhool theaters. They operated the theater for a number of years following many of the same polices that had started with the McFaddens.
After the death of Mr. Gilhool, his family then placed the theater for sale. Paul and Bunny Mower, also Payson residents, purchased the theater. They updated and remodeled much of the interior area of the building. They successfully operated the theater for a number of years before they decided to close and move to Arizona.
THE THEATER AS IT APPEARED AFTER THE FINAL CLOSING
For many years, community members have recognized and discussed the need for an auditorium facility where quality theatrical productions, concerts, dance productions and other live performances could be offered. The dream has been to develop a facility where the talents of local performers could be showcased and the understanding and appreciation of quality arts could be extended to all people. Dr. Gordon Taylor had the vision to see the possibilities of such a facility and purchased the Huish Theater to see that vision becomes a reality.
Because no appropriate facility currently existed in Payson, local citizens of all ages have been missing opportunities to enjoy, explore and learn from the arts in our community. Some of our residents are able to attend live performances at other venues in our region but a large number of our local children and adults have not had the opportunity to experience live performances beyond local school and church activities. So the "dream" for many years has been to have an auditorium and theater facility where everyone can know the joy, beauty and enrichment that the performing arts offer. Currently the Payson Community Theater and various other organizations have had to utilize other facilities for their productions each year.
Because no appropriate facility currently existed in Payson, local citizens of all ages have been missing opportunities to enjoy, explore and learn from the arts in our community. Some of our residents are able to attend live performances at other venues in our region but a large number of our local children and adults have not had the opportunity to experience live performances beyond local school and church activities. So the "dream" for many years has been to have an auditorium and theater facility where everyone can know the joy, beauty and enrichment that the performing arts offer. Currently the Payson Community Theater and various other organizations have had to utilize other facilities for their productions each year.
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