We The People: This Day in History, December 15
The Hippodrome’s enduring journey through entertainment eras
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - On December 15, 1974, the last movie played at the Waco Theatre, marking a temporary end for what had been a downtown entertainment landmark for decades.
Originally opening as the Hippodrome Theatre in 1914, this venue on Austin Avenue quickly became a hub for a wide range of entertainment, including live seal acts, magic shows, vaudeville, and silent films.
After a fire in 1928, it reopened with a fresh look and a new name, the Waco Theatre.
Big names like Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and even Elvis Presley, during his time at Fort Hood, all graced its presence.
However, by the mid-1970s, the grand old theater was struggling to keep its audience.
After that final film on December 15, the building sat vacant for more than six years.
Thanks to dedicated efforts from local groups, the Hippodrome Theatre was eventually restored and reopened, continuing its century-long legacy.
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