IAGenWeb ~ Cerro Gordo County ~ Palace Theater, Mason City

Palace Theater
110 S. Federal Avenue, Mason City IA

John McKee Heffner opened the first movie theater in Mason City which was named the Bijou Theater. It was located on South Federal Avenue. After the Bijou closed, Mr. Heffner became the manager of the Regent Theater that had a seating capacity of 786. It was renamed the Palace Theater some time during the early 1920's.

The Palace Theater was one of seven theaters located in downtown Mason City.

In the early 1930's Central States Theater assumed the ownership of the Palace from A. H. Blank Theaters and continued to entertain movie goers until it closed in the mid-1980's.

The Music Man made its movie premiere at the Palace Theater on the night of June 19, 1962. The entire cast of the movie traveled to Mason City for the event. An after premiere party was held at the Hotel Hanford.

SOURCE: cinematreasures.org/theater/18393

Submission by Sharon R. Becker, November of 2013