This Week in History – 100 Years Ago –
“Bonners Ferry’s new theatre, the Rex, one of the most beautiful and modern theatres of the inland Empire, is to be formally opened on Wednesday evening, October 24, according to the announcement made today by W.L. Casey, manager and proprietor.”
In 1921, Walter, Sr. and Cerise Casey purchased the Amazon (a wooden building), renaming it the Rex Theatre. Construction began on a brick theatre next door. The formal opening was October 24, 1923. The wooden Amazon was removed.
At the opening of the Rex Theatre, a crowd of over 600 people eagerly assembled. The foyer and stage of the theatre were beautifully decorated with large baskets of chrysanthemums. Mr. and Mrs. Casey received congratulations on one of the finest theatre buildings in the western states, costing nearly $30,000. Walt Casey thanked his patrons for their appreciation of his and Cerise’s efforts to provide a first class theatre.
Music was furnished during the evening by the Bush Orchestra. The silent movie, “The Village Blacksmith,” a Harold Lloyd comedy was the featured film.