Old brick building with theater sign.
Barbershop scene with barbers and clients.
Vintage popcorn machine with descriptive text.
Vintage cars on historic Main Street.
Barber shop with two customers and barbers.
Newspaper page with advertisements and grocery prices.
Vintage theater building with arched entrance.
Vintage theater opening poster with congratulatory ads.

Palace History

Palace History

The Palace Theatre was built in 1909 as a vaudeville house, originally called the Pastime Theatre. At that time, live entertainment—traveling performers, music acts, and stage shows—was the primary attraction. The original stage is still located behind the screen.

As motion pictures became popular, the theater shifted from live vaudeville to film exhibition.

Over the years, it operated under several names, including:

  • Past Time Theatre  - 1909
  • Queen Theatre  - 1928 
  • Palace Theatre  - 1932         

The Palace Theatre remained a central gathering place for the community and eventually expanded to seat 289 guests.

Located to the right of the theater was the original Palace Barbershop. Beneath the current restroom area lies a hidden basement that still contains the barbershop’s original flooring.  

The Palace Theatre also continues to use its original 1946 popcorn machine, which many believe is the secret behind the theater’s famous popcorn.

 

Person painting large geometric mural indoors.
People gathered indoors near American flag.
Vintage tiled counter with "Palace" sign.
Decorative tiled booth in building entrance.
Retro diner with people ordering at counter.
Vintage 'Palace' sign in workshop setting.
Wood-paneled hallway with movie posters displayed.
Two men painting a concrete wall together.
Building under construction with American flag displayed.
Concession stand with snacks and drinks.
Dimly lit, empty theater with red chairs.
Wood-paneled counter with soda machine.
Vintage movie theater lobby with posters displayed.
Old theater entrance with movie poster display.
Four people smiling indoors near doorway.
Basement with bar and small door.
Street with vintage buildings and parked car.
People gathered at a concession stand.
Building under construction with scaffolding.
Two ushers in red vests smiling.
Unfinished room with arched doorways and steps.
Vintage cinema concession stand with popcorn machine.

Renovation

Renovation

  • A major turning point came with a restoration in 1998 by Salem and Ruth Ann Abraham. The building was renovated and revived as a modern cinema featuring a state of the THX Sound system which is still the best sound in Texas. This restoration is often credited with helping spark broader downtown revitalization in Canadian.
  • Today, the theatre blends historic charm with modern technology: It retains vintage features like 1940s push-back seats and classic décor. Has the original hardwood floor in the auditorium and the original 1946 Popcorn machine still used nightly.
Group of people smiling indoors at night.

Entertaining Our Community Since 1909

Since 1909, our doors have opened to generations seeking entertainment, connection, and memorable experiences. As an independent theater nestled in the heart of Canadian, we've witnessed the evolution of cinema while maintaining our commitment to providing quality entertainment for our local community. Through decades of change, Palace Theater has remained a cornerstone of Main Street, offering movie showings that bring neighbors together and create lasting memories.