Across the street from the Godberson’s personal car collection is the King Theatre. Constructed by Lee Horn in 1914, it was originally named the Princess Theatre and began to entertain this small community of only
Across the street from the Godberson’s personal car collection is the King Theatre. Constructed by Lee Horn in 1914, it was originally named the Princess Theatre and began to entertain this small community of only 2,000 residents with silent films. In fact, Lee Horn was responsible for building multiple motion picture theatres across Iowa including the AMC in Sioux City.
Three years later in 1917, the theatre was purchased by Frank King, which is how it got its current name. And how fitting that a “castle town” has a King Theatre! King lovingly brought this small-town theatre into the sound era of 1921, then it was sold again to Milton Mansfield.
Mansfield kept the name, and added the notable marquee, then in 1954 new owner, Bob Fridley, decided that the 150-seat theatre was not enough for this growing community, and, along with a remodel, added an additional 100 seats with the construction of the upstairs balcony.
In 1982 during the video era, Fred Saunders purchased the theatre, and ran it successfully for many years until the beginning of the early 2000s when residents started noticing showtimes were becoming few and far between. Eventually, the upkeep became too much, and it fell into disrepair, leaving it dormant for more than five years. But this is where the fun begins!
The phoenix rises!
In a historic and heroic move, an Ida Grove resident sought out to restore one of his childhood memories to its former glory. Doug Clough, along with a team of dedicated volunteers held a community meeting in 2015 to find out if the local residents wanted to see the King Theatre operational again.
With an impressive turnout, and a resounding yes, Clough and his team acquired $500 in pledges along with full ownership of the King Theatre. After purchasing the property for $0, they assumed full liability for the entire restoration, and formed an 11-member board which was and is responsible for the property’s preservation and operation.
Budgets throughout the next four years were met with donations from every corner of the community, along with grants from Iowa Tourism and the DNR. The extensive overhaul included a new digital marquee, replacing the back wall which collapsed during a rain storm, a complete gutting of the interior and the installation of new theatre seats. In addition, the floor was leveled so that it is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring everyone, no matter their physical condition, can come and enjoy a night out at the movies.
Now showing…
So, now that we are pretty much all caught up to speed, allow me to finish by saying Doug Clough himself gave me an amazing private tour of the King Theatre. Throughout my visit I could see the love he has for this property, and his enthusiasm to continue to make memories for the next generation to come.
We talked about upcoming plans they have for the theater, thank you letters and numerous phone calls he’s received throughout the process encouraging him to continue. The surrounding community support and turnout has been exhilerating since their first showing in October of 2019. In fact, The Lion King was the first movie to be played after all those years. Suiting, if you ask me.
However, as we all know, covid interrupted the movie scene, along with everything else socially related, but that didn’t stop Doug and his team! They went to Facebook and continued to post throughout the epidemic about famous actors, their filmography and accomplishments. Smart move if you ask me, since this was an ingenious way to keep their readers engaged. Then when the theatre opened back up in June of 2020, and there were no new movies being made, that didn’t stop them from playing classics such as Field of Dreams, Jaws and Shrek.
I absolutely love that they kept the communication and participation of their Facebook followers during the lockdown. From selling their popcorn curbside to getting movie recommendations of what patrons want to see once the theatres were back open. Listening to your customers is a crucial step to success, and Doug and his team have shown this faithfully.
Plan your visit
Now, I have to go see a movie here, and experience the nostalgia. You can actually keep up to date on their show times via their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/longlivetheking51445) or on their website (https://www.idagrovekingtheatre.com/). While you’re scrolling through the movie listings make your way over to the “About” page and read a little bit more on the project. Here you’ll see pictures of the demolition, and learn more about the processes it took to resurrect this derelict building. And if you ever make it to the King Theatre check out their display box of all the cool things they found during the renovation.
Safe Travels. And here are some more reading materials with historical pictures:
712-300-6010
413 2nd Street
Ida Grove, Iowa 51445
