Opinion

Looking Back: Whatever happened to the Rio Theater?

Have you ever had an extended conversation with anyone who has spent their entire life here? Names of places that are long gone and special memories of the times spent there crop up continually: The Miller House (a boarding house that was the social hub in the late 1800s), the Commercial Club, Baer’s Creamery, the Dome hot springs pool and the Rio Theater. Eventually, the question, “What ever happened to it?” arises, and whether the building was residential or commercial, the memories at the mention of a simple location becomes much more than an address. While they aren’t historic landmarks that have been preserved physically, they have become well-loved places of the heart.
Local families still share their tales of lots of fun social events including date nights at the local movie theater. Recently two obituaries in the Herald Times brought back the memories of the old picture show. The first movie theater in Meeker was the Princess Theater, which showed silent movies. Later on, through different ownership, the movie theater became the Rio Theater.
The movie theater on main street was torn down in the mid- 1970s, although memories of going to the picture show remain vivid. While it had a variety of owners over all the years it was in operation, the newsreels and first run films always generated excitement. Dr. Scott and his wife made a lot of memories during their ownership, as movies were not the only offering to local children, as Mrs. Scott taught dance.
Sandra Idol Shimko remembers her father Loren Idol telling stories about his teenaged years working as a projectionist in the Princess Theater, while she also had her own memories of taking dance lessons on the stage in the Rio Theater, and her younger sister’s development of a lifelong interest in dance from her years of lessons there as well. Talking with one resident who remembers seeing Patton at the Rio when she first moved to the area in the early 1970’s she says, “It was released to Meeker as a first run, not realizing it was going to be such a big box office hit. If I remember right, people were coming into town from all over.”
A local boy, Kenneth Sanderson, Kent to most, made it big in Hollywood in the 1920s and ‘30s as “Buddy Roosevelt.” Starting out as a stuntman and later a well-known western star, Sanderson appeared in 35 silent five-reel films, and 12 “sound” five-reel films. The White River Museum has a collection of pictures and articles about his movie career, that say he started appearing in silent movies right after World War I, as he made quite a name among other western movie stars, as one photo demonstrates his ability to rear a horse up higher than anyone else.
“Remember when,” someone begins a sentence once the “What every happened to…?” question is broached. These places of the heart often become identified by what happened there, as these remembrances mark the time passed.

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Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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4 days ago
View on Instagram |
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A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
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The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
6 days ago
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Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
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