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: Pastime Theatre  - 1909 Queen Theatre  - 1928  Palace Theatre  - February 12th 1932
  • It remained a central entertainment venue for the community, eventually seating 289 people.
  • Like many small-town theaters, it experienced decline with the rise of television and multiplex cinemas.
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.
Man and girl smiling indoors.
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 1928, our doors have opened to generations of moviegoers 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.