Sign Adds Character to Oldest Movie Theater in the U.S.

As we inch closer to the summer-driving and vacation season, now is an opportune time to find some unusual places to take the family this summer. And, of course, a sign-centric destination provides greater appeal.

www.RoadsideAmerica.com, a website that tracks unusual, off-the-beaten-path destinations, recently featured the Plaza Grill and Cinema in Ottawa, KS, which was last year discovered to be the oldest operating cinema in the U.S. Deb Barker, the executive director of the Franklin County (KS) Historical Society, discovered old photographs that confirmed the theater was established in 1905, and alerted owner Peach Madl.

To trumpet its longstanding stature, Madl, the Society and a consortium of other local organizations have joined forces construct a museum within the Plaza facility that will celebrate its cinematic history. The museum is scheduled to open on May 15, and will be open Tuesday through Sunday. According to the Plaza Grill and Cinema’s website, in the project’s final phase, the “Plaza Cinemagic Experience” will offer 3-D movies in “4-D” with such in-house special effects as wind, fog and smells.

Naturally, signage plays a role in conveying its ambience. A handsome, Art Deco-era sign projects proudly from the building, and exhibitry and other environmental graphics will add to the Plaza’s ambience after its renovation.

For more information, visit www.plazacinemagicexperience.com