Now the Ozark Theater is owned by a preservation-minded group that has saved four other historic buildings in the area, some of which are current nominees for the National Register of Landmark locations. The Ozark Theater is of historical significance in that few neighborhood theater buildings remain. The Ozark Theater was opened in the early 1920's and included an exterior airdome for outdoor movie viewing in the summer months before the advent of air conditioning. Motion pictures were shown at the Ozark six days a week until 1937, when voters repealed a longstanding "blue law," making Sunday movies possible. The theater became almost a babysitter for families on Sunday as children were dropped off to delight in an afternoon of the fantasy world on screen.
By a margin of nearly 2 to 1 voters in Webster Groves, Missouri
turned back ordinances authorizing a huge corporate development in the center of
their town. The development called for the destruction of the Ozark Theater,
among other buildings. The vote totals went as follows:
Proposition #1 - an ordinance finding that the buildings in the proposed area
are "blighted"
Against - 5,417
For - 3,119 - (63.5% against)
Proposition #2 - an ordinance approving the development plan and authorizing
Mills Corporation to acquire the properties through the use of "eminent
domain"
Against - 5597
For - 2,943 - (65.5% against)
With this vote the restoration of the unique Ozark Theater is now possible!
