Inspecting the new home for collectibles from the Fairfield’s historic Iris Theater is Gordon Small, who donation a popcorn popper, wiener roaster, and propane chili cooker that had been used in the downtown movie theater.
The old theater was located on the courthouse square where the Fairfield Masonic Lodge meets today.
A Little History
First opened in the late 1930’s, the IRAS Theatre was first operated by the Harris brothers of Dallas, Texas.
According to local news reports, the theater underwent remodeling in 1947 and reopened as the Iris Theater.
On Sunday, March 14, 1954 a fire destroyed the theater along with the Fairfield Motor Company and a vacant building known as the Keeney building. After the fire, there was not an indoor theater in Fairfield for several years.
It reopened in 1956 as the Fair Theater, by local businessmen, and operated under E.J. Jobe of Dallas. The theater shut its doors the final time in 1957.
The theater did not have a full concession are during the Iras and Iris days. They only served candy and popcorn.
When the theater reopened as the Fair, a concession stand was installed that offered hamburgers and hotdogs.
The original popcorn machine was saved from the Iris and used in the Fair.
“The museum is so very proud to now have these items on display in the Bass wing,” Museum Board President Linda Mullen.
Thanks to Mary and Gordon Small for the donation to the Museum. Also, thanks to Marvin Mullen for building a table to display the cookers.
Freestone County Historical Museum is located at 302 E. Main Street in Fairfield, Texas. Hours are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information, call 903-389-3738. Or, visit online at www.freestonecomuseum.com
