Letter to the Editor: Thanks for memories of Russellville’s three theaters
EDITORIAL -- FEATURE SPOT, Letters to the Editor, Opinion
 By  Staff Reports Published 
12:25 pm Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Letter to the Editor: Thanks for memories of Russellville’s three theaters

Dear editor,

Excellent online article about the three movie houses in Russellville. My old friend Wilbur Underwood, whom I haven’t seen in nearly 70 years, has all the facts correct.

I left Russellville after high school (1950) and wound up in the Navy, during the Korean war. My final assignment was Hutchinson, Kansas, of all places, and since Wichita was close by, I fell in love with the city. When I was released from the military in September 1956, I immediately enrolled at Wichita State University. I received a master’s degree in police administration and served as a member of the Wichita Police Department for 23 years, retiring as deputy chief in 1980. I then became the executive director of the Wichita Crime Commission, a nonprofit citizen’s organization that works closely with law enforcement agencies. I served as the director for 30 years. I am currently fully retired and have been for the past nine years. Google explains it best.
Wilbur’s story brought back lots of very pleasant memories. Not only do I remember the three theaters, I worked at all of them. I worked the popcorn machine at the Lyric while a sophomore and came to know Lee Gault, manager, very well. I had a second job of delivering groceries for Thompson Brothers grocery store. When Johnny Thompson decided he was going to build The Home Theater, he asked me to work for him, and I did.

In the meantime, when it was announced the Roxy was going to be built, Lee Gault asked if I would work there. Noting how small the crowds were at the Home, it seemed like a good idea, so, I went to work there when it was finished.

I was really into the movie business during that period. I took a class at RHS, Motion Picture Projection, offered by Diversified Occupations. However, when May 1950 came along and my mother and I moved to Indiana, I left all that behind. It was a great experience for me. And too, I was raised by a widowed mother, who had few skills outside the home, so the income I earned at the theaters saved me. I worked with some great young folks and I saw all the movies for free and had all the popcorn I could eat. Hard to beat that deal.
Thanks again for a very interesting article. It’s wonderful to keep as much history alive as possible.

Sincerely,

Bobby Stout

Also on Franklin County Times
Bill would eliminate YO status in cases of murder
Franklin County, Main, News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
MONTGOMERY — A local state representative has pre-filed a bill that would prevent someone 16 or older who is charged with murder or capital murder fro...
Strickland takes council seat after Trulove’s withdrawal
Main, News, Red Bay
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 10, 2025
RED BAY — Jonathan Strickland has been declared the next Place 3 memberof theRedBayCity Council after incumbent Herbert Trulove withdrew from the Sept...
School threats are no joking matter
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — The saddest thing about the Sept. 3 bomb threat at Phil Campbell High School is the lasting impact the hoax will have on the life of t...
Ambassadors program gives students taste of leadership
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 10, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE --the Ambassadors program at Tharptown Elementary is giving students an introduction to leadership. The program gives elected fifth and s...
Book Lovers Club to host violence awareness program
Columnists, Opinion, Russellville
HERE AND NOW
“We look forward to expanding our knowledge of the issues while engaging members and communities to unite in addressing this pervasive societal epidemic.”
September 10, 2025
The GFWC Book Lovers Study Club will host an awareness session about domestic and sexual violence at 2 p.m. on Sept. 20 at Russellville First Methodis...
Opinion: SPACECOM headquarters should be in Huntsville
Columnists, Opinion
September 10, 2025
After years of political wrangling, President Trump is bringing Space Command (SPACECOM) headquarters back to its rightful home in Huntsville. This wa...
Space Command could boost region’s economy
News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
FLORENCE—Northwest Alabama officials said the Sept. 3 announcement that the U.S. Space Command will be moved to Huntsville could boost local economies...
RHS volleyball team pushes record to 17-5
High School Sports, News, Russellville Golden Tigers, ...
Brannon King For the FCT 
September 10, 2025
The busy week for the Russellville volleyball team was highlighted by a home match against county rival Phil Campbell, the first area match of the sea...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *