Fans Pack Liberty Theatre on 90th Birthday

Camas, WA — Liberty Theatre fans packed the house Wednesday night as the historic venue celebrated its 90th birthday with a special 30th anniversary showing of the pop culture classic, “The Princess Bride.”

Moviegoers waited out into the sidewalk to get in as many reminisced about going to see movies there as kids. Many came to celebrate both anniversaries.

“We’re really big fans of ‘The Princess Bride,'” said Adam Corey, who brought his wife, Kati, and two sons, Jacob and Will, to celebrate. “We love the comedy, the characters, Andre the Giant. Plus, the Liberty is small, intimate, they have great service, and they serve beer here!”

Corey said they come when it fits their active schedule, and they always try to come here first — before going to other theaters.

“And we love Rand (Thornsley) the owner,” Corey added.

 

On this day in 1927, the Liberty Theatre first opened its doors. At that time, it was called The Granada. Local leaders and several investors raised the money needed to build the structure, which cost $75,000. That was an incredibly large sum of money in 1927.

The first film at the theatre was “Lost at the Front.”

Since then, the theatre has changed hands many times, and went into disrepair. Previous operator, Greg Wood, did a lot of renovations in the 2000s, bringing some state-of-the-art sound equipment and a new screen. When he tried to purchase the historic theatre, negotiations failed, and he left to operate a theatre in Portland.

The Liberty closed in 2009, and remained dark for nearly two years — until Thornsley reopened its doors, breathing new life into the downtown marquee.

The first 100 guests at Wednesday’s event received a special commemorative poster for the occasion.

To learn more, visit www.camasliberty.com

Moviegoers wait in line for concessions. Gotta have popcorn!