Constantine Theater

The Constantine Theatre, located in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, is a historic venue with a long tradition of serving the community through performances and film screenings. Originally built in the early 20th century, it has undergone various transformations, including a significant restoration effort in the 1980s. The theater is notable for its important role in the social and cultural life of Pawhuska.

History

Early History (1914-1926)

The Constantine Theatre opened informally in 1914 with a silent film screening of Neptune's Daughter, starring Annette Kellerman, for an admission price of 25 cents. Its official grand opening took place on December 22, 1914, featuring a live performance of The Prince of Pilsen, a popular Broadway musical adapted for a Kansas City cast of 62 actors. Patrons attended in full evening attire, and Constantine's daughters, Antigone and Sappho, greeted ladies with carnations. Ticket prices ranged from two to five dollars.

During this period, the Constantine Theatre attracted large audiences with its vaudeville acts, live music performances, and public events. Notably, it hosted Osage oil lease auctions, which brought prominent oilmen such as Frank Phillips, William G. Skelly, and Ernest W. Marland to Pawhuska. Despite enduring events like the great flood of 1915, the theatre continued to operate and became a central feature of the town's cultural landscape.

Transition to a Movie Theatre (1926–1984)

By 1926, the Constantine Theatre transitioned to film, adopting the new name Kihekah Movie Theatre as movies grew in popularity. Ownership changed several times, and many original design elements were altered or removed by subsequent owners. The theatre remained in operation as Pawhuska's last indoor movie screen until it closed in 1974 due to declining attendance and financial difficulties. Following its closure, the building sat vacant for a decade, during which time Pawhuska suffered significant economic challenges, leading to the decay of several historic structures, including the Constantine.

Restoration Efforts (1984–1987)

In 1984, a group of local residents, forming the Pawhuska Downtown Revitalization and Preservation Association (PDRPA), initiated efforts to restore the theatre. The group's primary goal was to preserve Pawhuska's historic architecture. The project required removing modifications that had been added over the years, including an exterior marquee and ticket booths, to qualify the building for the National Register of Historic Places. In 1986, their application succeeded, making the Constantine Theatre one of 89 historic downtown buildings listed.

Through fundraising and donations, PDRPA raised approximately $70,000 toward an estimated $300,000 renovation cost. High school students, alongside community volunteers and even inmates from Conners Correctional Center, participated in the extensive restoration process. Efforts included pumping water from the flooded auditorium, removing outdated wiring and plumbing, and refurbishing the theater's iconic decorative features.

Architectural Features and Renovations

The Constantine Theatre is known for its Greek Revival architecture. Notable elements include a terracotta proscenium adorned with intricate rope, oak leaf designs, and rosettes that serve as light sockets. A local dentist cast replacements for two missing proscenium pieces, while students restored the pressed tin ceiling to its original red color, part of a palette discovered in the foyer tiles.

In the 1980s restoration, new handcrafted masks of comedy and tragedy were added to the building's exterior. Interior colors, including brick red, camel, and blue with gold accents, were used to match original designs. The restoration brought the theater's Grecian elements back to prominence, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of its early 20th-century splendor.

Community Impact and Legacy (1987–Present)

The theater's restoration symbolized hope and revitalization for Pawhuska, which had been experiencing economic decline. The Constantine Theatre became a rallying point for community pride, inspiring further preservation efforts for other historic buildings in the area. Local legend holds that the theater is haunted by Sappho Constantine Brown, the daughter of the original owner, whose ghost is said to appear backstage. Stories of Sappho's presence added intrigue and local color, even capturing media attention in aTulsa World article in 1987.

In the words of Kathy Swan, Secretary of the Constantine Arts Council, the restoration project demonstrated “community cooperation and cohesiveness – a rare and beautiful kind of human endeavor.” The ongoing preservation of the Constantine Theatre continues to serve as a cultural landmark and a testament to the spirit of Pawhuska's residents.

Today, the Constantine Theatre is managed by a volunteer board dedicated to its upkeep and operation. It hosts a range of events, from live performances and movie screenings to community gatherings.

References

• Southall, Richard (2013). Haunted Route 66. Llewellyn Publications. p. 101. ISBN 978-0738726366. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
• "Spirit Felt, Even Ghostly Kind Pawhuska Renovates Old Theater". News OK. 6 September 1987. Retrieved 5 July 2015.