Heritage in the Hat: The Reel Deal

By Sally Sehn on March 7, 2020.

Although the Monarch Theatre is regarded as the oldest operating theatre in Medicine Hat, it is not the oldest theatre building. That honour goes to the building located at 321 Sixth Ave., currently occupied by Nurture Pregnancy Centre. This structure originated as the Dreamland Theatre.

When the Monarch Theatre opened its doors on Dec. 21, 1911, the Dreamland Theatre had been in operation for over a year, having been in operation since Oct. 19, 1910. On opening night, two soloists performed, and three films were shown. The avenue was crammed and the theatre so packed that there was no standing room. Folks were used to the small, storefront Star Theatre on Main Street. By contrast, the new modern and larger brick theatre was as much an attraction as the entertainment it featured.

The Dreamland was designed by prominent architect W.T. Williams, the architect of such commercial buildings as the Cypress Club, Connaught School and the old city hall. It was built at a cost of $14,000 by contractor M. Sackrider.

The theatre’s interior featured tin ceilings 20-feet high. The walls had mission oak wainscoting. The theatre boasted 350 mahogany opera chairs that were floor-sloped with the first row 20 feet from the stage. The electricity used to light up the name Dreamland in incandescent lights and to provide interior lighting was manufactured by the firm’s own plant in another building. The theatre boasted an “absolutely fire-proof” asbestos and sheet iron projectionist’s booth ensuring patrons that there was “no danger of combustion or explosion of any sort.”

When the Dreamland opened, silent movies were the going thing! The theatre featured a polished walnut Heinzman grand piano as accompaniment to enhance the “moving pictures.” The original theatre managers, H.E. Lotz and K.J. McRae sold the business after a couple of years to Michael Leonard, F.B. McKinnon, and Mike’s son, Joseph Leonard. It is said that retired baker Mike Leonard bought the business for his son Joe who was a talented and trained musician unable to find a musical career in Medicine Hat. Joe Leonard (1882-1937) managed the theatre and was the bandleader of the five-piece Dreamland orchestra for many years.

Besides films, other entertainment at the Dreamland included travelling vaudeville acts, hypnotists, and boxing matches. The theatre was also a popular venue for conventions and forums.

The Dreamland Theatre became the Roxy Theatre in 1937. The Roxy’s last show was on Oct. 10, 1959. The building never operated as a theatre again. Renovations to repurpose the theatre have resulted in the building bearing little resemblance to its original use.

Sally Sehn is a Member of the Heritage Resources Committee of the City of Medicine Hat.

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