By Mike Arcand
Tucked away in the quaint East Texas town of Mineola stands a true cultural treasure: the historic Select Theater. This iconic landmark is more than just a movie theater; it is a living piece of history, a testament to the community spirit, and a hub for local arts and entertainment. As the oldest continuously operating theater in Texas, the Select Theater has witnessed more than a century of change, adapting to the times while retaining its historic charm.
I had the opportunity to visit with George Jones, the Executive Director of the theater, and Jeff Hurley, the President of the Board of Governors, about the rich history of the theater, where it stands now, and their vision for the future.
A Rich History
The story of the Select Theater begins in 1920 when it was founded by a local businessman named R.T. Hooks and named after the Select Pictures company.
“There was a motion picture company called Select Pictures, and the owners were friends with the picture company, so that’s why they named it the Select Theater,” says Jones. “By naming it after the movie company,” says Hurley, “they got first run on the movies.”
Prior to 1920, it was originally a vaudeville-type venue where traveling performers entertained audiences with live music, comedy, and theater acts. Vaudeville was a popular form of entertainment at the time, drawing people from miles around to see the latest acts.
As the 20th century progressed and motion pictures gained popularity, the Select Theater transitioned into a movie house, showing silent films accompanied by live music. “There was an open-air theater where the movie theater is located now, called The Airdome. A lot of theaters were open-air back then because film burns,” said Hurley.
Like many small-town theaters, it faced challenges in the mid-20th century with the rise of television and suburban multiplexes. However, the Select Theater endures thanks to the unwavering support of the Mineola community and the dedication of its Board of Directors and employees.
Architecture and Ambiance
The Select Theater has been remodeled several times over the years. These efforts included new restrooms, a concession stand, expanded seating, the exterior, and more.
Today, the theater stands out with its classic early 20th-century architecture. The exterior features an art deco-style marquee with flashing neon lights and bold lettering, instantly transporting visitors back to a bygone era of cinema.
Inside, the single-screen theater offers a great viewing experience, with plush red seats and period-style walls that evoke the feelings of the golden age of cinema. One of the theater’s most unique features is its stage, which continues to host live performances, from community theater productions to concerts and special events. This dual-purpose design—a space for both film and live entertainment—speaks to the theater’s long-standing history of versatility and the arts.
A Modern Revival
The Select Theater entered a new chapter when it became the home of the Lake Country Playhouse, an educational non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the theater and promoting the arts in Mineola.
The Select Theater has undergone several renovations to restore its historic charm while integrating modern technology.
These updates include the installation of digital projection equipment and surround sound, ensuring that the theater can screen contemporary films with state-of-the-art quality. Despite these improvements, the theater has retained its vintage atmosphere, offering a rare blend of nostalgia and modern convenience.
The Lake Country Playhouse also presents a full schedule of live theater productions throughout the year. These performances are entirely community-driven, with local actors, directors, and crew members coming together to create high-quality shows. This has helped foster a vibrant local arts scene in Mineola, making the Select Theater not only a place for entertainment but also a center for creativity and collaboration.
Community Impact
The historic Select Theater is more than just a building; it is at the heart of the Mineola community. Generations of families have passed through its doors, whether for a Friday night movie, a live play, or a musical event. It has become a gathering place where people can come together, share experiences, and celebrate local culture.
“It gave us a permanent location for the Lake Country Playhouse, which was one of the first community theaters in this county or even in this area. We pre-date the Tyler community with our opening on that one,” says Hurley proudly.
The theater also serves as an important educational resource. The Lake Country Playhouse offers acting classes and workshops for children and adults, nurturing the next generation of performers and theater enthusiasts. These programs help keep the arts alive in a small town where opportunities for creative expression might otherwise be limited.
In addition, the Select Theater hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including holiday film screenings and classic movie nights. These events not only provide entertainment but also help raise awareness and support for the theater’s ongoing preservation efforts.
Preservation Efforts
Preserving a century-old theater is no small task, but the Select Theater has been fortunate to receive both financial and volunteer support from the Mineola community. Fundraisers, grants, and donations have played a crucial role in maintaining the building’s structural integrity and historical authenticity. The theater is part of the Mineola Downtown Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, further solidifying its status as a landmark of cultural and architectural significance.
“There are not any movie theaters in small towns around here—primarily because it’s really hard to make a living without grants from people and organizations like The Meredith Foundation, which has been our savior for many, many years. They really have supported the theater,” Hurley says.
Looking to the Future
As the Select Theater moves forward into the future, it remains a beloved institution in Mineola and a shining example of how historic theaters can thrive in the modern era. Its blend of historic charm, cutting-edge technology, and community-driven programming ensures that it will continue to be a vital part of Mineola’s cultural landscape for years to come.
“I’ve been working steadily to take the Select itself back to what it was,” says Jones. “Lots of showtimes, a big variety of entertainment.”
The Annex across the street has been opened up to include smaller theater productions, giving upcoming actors and directors a chance to enter the realm of live theater. They are also working on putting another screen in at the Annex, allowing for more movies to be run consecutively.
You may be asking what you can do to support this historic venue.
“You want to help the theater, you want to keep this here for a hundred years, come see shows. The best thing to do is to come in and have a good time,” Hurley says.
In a world where digital streaming and corporate multiplexes dominate, the Historic Select Theater offers a refreshing reminder of the magic of a community theater experience. It’s a place where history, art, and community come together—a true Wood County treasure.
You can get all the current offerings and showtimes from the Select Theater and Lake Country Playhouse website.