The Arcadia Theatre

Located at 717 Water Street, this is the iconic Arcadia, one of the most familiar buildings in Kerrville.  This historic theatre opened June 20, 1926. The theatre included a small stage and an orchestra pit with a pipe organ. 
Something not many people know is that the  Arcadia got its name in a contest.  Over 150 suggested titles were submitted by local citizens.  The name was picked from the list by a disinterested committee. William Toups was the one suggesting the name selected.  The Kerrville Mountain Sun reported that several individuals suggested the name “Arcade,” but Mr. Toups was the only one suggesting the name Arcadia. 
 In addition to movies, the Arcadia hosted live radio and stage productions in its early years. Notable entertainers such as humorist Will Rogers, singer Elvis Presley, musician Liberace, and comedians Bob Hope and Jack Benny performed here.
Agnes Colley, who was the organist at the First Presbyterian Church and the music teacher at the Scofield School for Girls, was also the organist at the theater during the silent movie era.
More than 1000 people jammed the theatre opening night--a large percentage of Kerrville’s population.
The two-story building originally sported a mission style exterior.  Most of the original exterior trim was removed when the Arcadia was remodeled in 1948.  This was when the neon-lit marquee and tower and burgundy tile were installed. 

The theater closed in January, 1988.  It is currently undergoing renovations.

This ornate lintel, visible above the Coming Soon sign, is a remnant of the original facade, shown below.

And who was William J. Toups?  He was born 1899 in Texas, probably near Corpus Christi. In 1930 he lived with his wife Hattie at 504 Lytle Street, Kerrville, and worked as a battery man at a garage.