Okmulgee's history is rich with both triumph and tragedy. From the rebirth of the Creek Indian and the many state changing decisions made in Creek Counsel House, to the tragedies of the Great Depression, this series will outline the key events that brought this small town national prestige. Before you leave, be sure to check out the other pages in the Okmulgee History series. During this time, Okmulgee grew into it's own. Gone were the days when Okmulgee was known as Indian Territory, but rather, it was now a bustling town full of opportunity. As it was all across the United States, Okmulgee was still a blend of old and new. New cars and horse drawn popcorn stands lined the streets of downtown Okmulgee. Outlaws and bandits still roamed the countryside, while slick suited businessmen bustled around downtown. The Orpheum opened Aug. 23, 1920. The opening picture, called a photoplay at that time, was "Eyes of Youth", with Clara Kimball Young.
Also featured on the opening program was a pipe organ concert, and a 12-unit stage show produced by the Vanderbilt University Glee Club of Nashville, TN. Orpheum Vaudeville was featured, and within two months of opening, Mr. Cook was using both the Orpheum and Cook names in parallel, with the name 'Cook' in smaller print. In less than a year, he officially changed the theatre's name to the Orpheum, and installed an elaborate new double-sided electric sign with the name 'Orpheum' in bright incandescent lights, beneath a crown of lights known as waterburst lighting. The waterburst effect was produced by a motorized electromechanical flasher housed in a steel cabinet inside the building. Ownership of the theatre was separated from ownership of the building, and Griffith Brothers Theatres, which evolved into Griffith Amusement Co., and then into Video Independent Theatres, purchased the theatre, ca. 1924. Keith/Albee/Orpheum never owned it. The building was sold in tiny fractional interests to Greek people, many of whom lived in Greece, and didn't pay their share of taxes or maintenance. It took several years, and the help of the Greek ambassador, to consolidate the fractured ownership. The remains of upper orchestra box seats were discovered behind false plaster walls at the side of the stage.
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