Having faith in a city, investing thousands to help stimulate its growth, building a monument that will be left to future posterity, that's what the Peery family has shown Ogden in the erection of The Egyptian Theatre, which throws open its doors to the public of Ogden and vicinity tomorrow. Not a cent has been spared on its erection and in the estimation of the writer, there is not a finer or more complete theatre of its kind, regardless of size or beauty in the entire west.
From its solid concrete foundation to its massive walls and tile roof it will be fireproof through.
To the architects, Messrs. Hodgson & McClenahan, not one detail of Egyptian design has been overlooked, from the general contractor's standpoint, which was in the capable hands of F. Berne. Every detail has been followed to the letter.
Ogden mechanics and artisans and Ogden merchants were given the preference in nearly every instance in its erection. It is an artistic triumph to all concerned who had anything to do in its erection – a vision of architectural beauty – the theater represents the finished word in modern photoplay houses.
And so the day is near!
The day of days – when all Ogden will lay cares and worries aside, when business troubles and programmed social events will be forgotten, while a joyous entertainment-loving city, smilingly bids welcome to her newest and fairest amusement temple -- The Egyptian Theatre.
After nearly a year of building, tearing down and re-building, decorating and painting at an expense well into six figures, the Egyptian Theatre officially will open its doors at 11 a. m. Friday morning running continuous performances until 11 p. m. every day in the year. The formal grand opening will take place Thursday evening at 8 p. m. when George E. Browning will act as sponsor at its dedication. George Glen will act as toastmaster of the evening and short addresses will be given by Mayor P. F. Kirckendall, Jas. H. DeVine and Leslie S. Hodgson. The Egyptian Theatre quartet composed of Kelly Goddard, Joseph Fernelius, Howard Shube and Jerry Klomp will offer popular selections.
The house will accommodate 1200 people, the lower walls are finished and panelled in oil-painted colors with gold paint predominating Egyptian Gods and Goddesses and ancient Roman and Egyptian figures are in evidence throughout the inside walls, in the foyer over the stage and are right in harmony with the exterior. The interior or dome of the theatre proper is tinted in a Royal Blue, the chairs, cosy and roomy, are partitioned with extra wide aisles, the backs are finished in a soft elephant grey and are upholstered in a cushioned black leather. The draperies, curtains and carpets blend in harmony with the colors and must be seen to appreciated.
One of the big features of the theatre is the ventilating system. The air is pulled in from the roof, washed and distributed through the house and is completely changed every five minutes. Another feature is the Cry Room, where infants in arms or small tots can be taken by their mothers in a room to themselves while the youngsters can see the show as well as their parents and where they can cry or chat and make all the noise they want without disturbing the audience. A ladies' rest room is to the left of the foyer.
All equipment is electrically driven. The projection room is completely fireproof and has its separate compartment. It is equipped with two Simplex projection machines furnished by the Salt Lake Theatre Supply Company, the latest models of their kind. The screen is also of the very latest model of silver bead and will reflect a picture that will be seen with equal depth and proportion from every corner of the house. Franz Rath will preside over the big organ while Paramount pictures will be the outstanding features of nearly every performance.
| Theater | City |
|---|---|
| Peery's Egyptian Theater | Ogden |