PAYSON — The walls of the old Star Theater are tumbling down and one wonders if the gaping vacancy will appear like a youth
who has lost one of his front teeth.
The property has been purchased by Payson Chamber of Commerce and will be used as a parking lot. Labor of taking the brick building away has been going on for some time. The back part of the building was "attacked" first, leaving the front to the
last of the job.
The old theater was once called the Gayety. It was here that some of the first motion pictures were shown in Payson and the only theater this writer can remember, though at one time another occupied a building on Main Street where Christensens Store is now located, according to oldtimers.
Old Stars
Along about 1920 the public became interested in putting out good money to see the likes of Mary Pickford (who became known as America's Sweetheart), Charlie Chaplin and Fattie Arbuckle. The Gish sisters, Dorothy and Lillian, and others were
favorites.
In addition to using the theater for motion pictures, the stage was also used for awhile for school plays and traveling hows. "The Goose Hangs High" was presented by the high school class of 1927.
Earlier, the folks always tried to go to the show the night the Little Daniels Sisters, Verna and Donna, performed (dancing and singing). George Henry Done managed the theater and his large family all helped in its operation, the girls playing the piano through the silent movies.
Election Results
For many years friends met at the "show" to await election results and it was here that announcement was made that Thomas Reece would be the new mayor.
Charles Huish, native of Payson, who had lived in Eureka many years, purchased the Star sometime around the year 1935. He later moved to Payson, building a fine home on the East bench, and became somewhat of a "Daddy Warbucks" to Payson
citizens, especially on Old Folks Day, when he was lavish with gifts and prizes, leading merchants in supplying remembrances
of the day.
The Star was incorporated into the string of theaters known as the Huish Theater Enterprises. A new theater on the same block was under construction at the time of his death. On its completion it was given his name, Huish. It had been planned as the finest in the string, located from Eureka through Utah County and into Carbon County.
Theater Closes
The two theaters ran simultaneously for a short time, then the Star was closed.
Eugene Braithwaite, manager of the old Star for many years and present manager of the Huish, under Vincent A. Gilhool,
Salt Lake City, spares little in effort in giving public service through the theater and also through his church. The old folks still benefit by the theater, each year being treated to one of the best current pictures to open annual Nebo Stake Old Folks Day each summer. Recently he co-operated with Kiwanis Club in holding Kids Day at the theater, and at all times he is available to use his portable loudspeaker on a car as a "town cryer" or to handle the "mike" for Nebo Stake Tabernacle events.
| Theater | City |
|---|---|
| Huish Theater | Payson |
| Star Theater | Payson |