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Osage Theater Circa 1922

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Osage Theater Circa 1922

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The Historic Osage Theater: Circa 1922

The building at 930 Osage Avenue, Kansas City, KS, which now houses the US Boatworks parts and repair shop, holds a rich and fascinating history. Originally constructed as the Osage Theater in 1922, this building has been a cornerstone of the Armourdale community, witnessing decades of change, resilience, and transformation.

Osage Theater Oepning 1922

The Historic Osage Theater: Circa 1922

The building at 930 Osage Avenue, Kansas City, KS, which now houses the US Boatworks parts and repair shop, holds a rich and fascinating history. Originally constructed as the Osage Theater in 1922, this building has been a cornerstone of the Armourdale community, witnessing decades of change, resilience, and transformation.

Opening of the Osage Theater in 1922

In 1922, Richard Biechelle built the Osage Theater for $50,000, creating a grand entertainment venue with a seating capacity of 1,000. Before the 1922 construction, a smaller theater existed at the same location, but records of its details are sparse. It was either destroyed or demolished to make way for the new building.

The Osage Theater debuted on February 26, 1922, with the film “A Sailor-Made Man” starring Harold Lloyd, marking the beginning of its legacy as a popular gathering spot for the hardworking residents of Armourdale.

A Community Favorite in Armourdale

For nearly three decades, the Osage Theater was a beloved entertainment destination for both children and adults. In Lloyd E. Houser’s book, “The Kid from Armourdale,” the author recounts memories of scraping together pennies during the Great Depression to attend Friday night movies at the Osage. One touching anecdote describes his younger brother tearfully pleading for a ticket, prompting Lloyd to use his last penny to ensure his brother could enjoy the show.

The theater remained a lively part of the community until the late 1940s, providing a sense of joy and escapism during challenging times.

Tragedy and Repairs

In 1948, disaster struck when the theater’s roof collapsed, injuring some patrons. Despite the incident, the Osage Theater underwent repairs and continued to operate for a few more years, resilient in the face of adversity.

The 1951 Flood and the End of an Era

The devastating 1951 flood that swept through the Armourdale area marked the end of the Osage Theater’s operations. The theater was heavily damaged, forcing its permanent closure. While the building was repaired and the façade significantly altered, remnants of its theater days remain.

Visitors can still spot architectural features like the projector room, the window used to project movies, the arch of the screen curtain and stage, and even watermarks on the interior walls from the flood.

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The Building’s New Life

Since 1990, the historic building at 930 Osage Avenue has been home to US Boatworks, but its legacy as the Osage Theater lives on. During the shop’s quieter winter months, visitors might even get a chance to tour the building and explore the remnants of its theatrical past.

From the projection booth with Simplex projectors to the historic watermarks, the Osage Theater continues to tell a story of community, resilience, and transformation—a testament to the enduring spirit of Armourdale.

A Visit to History

Next time you visit US Boatworks, take a moment to step back in time. Whether it’s the preserved theater elements or the rich stories tied to the building, the Osage Theater remains a cherished piece of Armourdale’s history.