Fort Sam Houston Theatre

“Remember those Saturday matinees?” The Fort Sam Houston Theatre stands before us a testament to bygone eras. Built in 1935 this Spanish Colonial Revival style building initially cost $139000. It wasn’t just a movie house it was the heart of Fort Sam Houston. For over forty years it showed the latest “talkies” those amazing sound films of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Imagine the excitement the aroma of 25-cent popcorn the hush before the national anthem. A ticket cost less than a dollar. Even M*A*S*H a film not initially well-received by the military was shown here. Retired General William Freese Kernan saw Anne of a Thousand Days here celebrating the theater’s 50th anniversary. His son Michael remembers those days fondly recalling a time before widespread television cable and home video. The theater fell into disrepair eventually closing its doors for over two decades. But the Fort Sam Houston Theatre wasn’t forgotten. A $17 million renovation project in 2009 breathed new life into this historic landmark. The Army Corps of Engineers meticulously restored its original features including frescoes and murals. They added 18000 square feet for offices studios and storage. Today the Fort Sam Houston Theatre stands as the second oldest theatre in the country. It continues to serve the community hosting town halls concerts shows and events. It’s more than just a building. It’s a living piece of history a place where memories were made and continue to be made. It’s the Fort Sam Houston Theatre a symbol of resilience and enduring entertainment.