The Whiteside Theatre, located on Madison Avenue in Corvallis, Oregon, is a long-standing fixture in the community. It was originally opened in November of 1922 and was one of the grandest movie theatres in Oregon at the time.
It features Italian Renaissance architecture and still maintains the original brickwork and many of the interior design features from the 1920’s restorations. The theatre was originally owned and operated by Sam and George Whiteside, two brothers who pioneered the theatre business in Corvallis. The Whiteside family was involved in the operations of the theatre for 63 years, after which it changed ownership several times. Regal Entertainment group closed the theatre doors in 2002 due to financial loss and costs to maintain the needed renovations.
However, the theatre would not remain closed for long. Regal Entertainment donated it in 2008 to Friends of the Whiteside Theatre and the Whiteside Theatre Foundation, two nonprofit organizations who worked to convert the theatre into a performing arts center. Through community support, they were able to make the necessary restorations and repairs to reopen the theatre’s doors in 2013.
Not only does Whiteside Theatre host impressive local history, it is also said to have multiple ghosts in residence, the more well known spirit being the ghost of Lillian McElroy Taylor, a famous vaudeville performer who played accompaniments on the organ and was said to have had great talent.
It is said that Lillian was very attached to the Whiteside Theatre. However, she was fired in 1931 when the theatre managers decided to cut certain expenses. Shortly after being fired, Lillian discovered her husband was having an affair. In response to this discovery, she shot and killed her husband before shooting herself. Many believe that she began haunting the theatre when the original organ was returned for display at the Whiteside.
The second ghost that haunts the theatre is a member of the Whiteside family. Charles Whiteside, the younger brother of the founders Sam and George Whiteside, frequently attended shows at the theatre. He sat in the balcony to enjoy movies and performances. Charles was particularly fond of the seat BH11, where he can still be seen enjoying shows to this day. Many performers have claimed to have seen a man in a pinstriped suit and fedora hat standing in the balcony right where Charles preferred to sit. We can only hope Charles enjoyed the show.
The Whiteside Theatre now hosts a variety of events. On Wednesdays they play a different movie each week; August featured the movies “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” “Jaws,” “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” and “Raising Arizona.” The theatre continues their operations through donations and the funding they receive from the events hosted at Whiteside. During each showing, Dennis Stillwaggon, a volunteer, will change out the marquee sign letters. There are only two spots to display upcoming events, so this keeps the sign always up to date on upcoming events. Along with movie showings, the theatre hosts concerts for local performers.
Patrons can purchase tickets for events through the Whiteside’s website or purchase them in-person at the box office. This couple enjoyed a showing of “Labyrinth,” a movie that always draws a big crowd to the Whiteside Theatre.
The Whiteside Theatre still maintains many aspects from its original conception, from various pieces of architecture and murals to the original ticket machine. While they no longer use the machine for dispensing tickets, it is still completely functional, making it a great historical treasure.
The theatre maintains its operations through a minimal staff and mostly volunteers. Working the concessions counter is Charlie Curtis, who is one of the house managers. He also runs the theatre’s Tuesday drop-ins, an event that creates a safe space for unhoused people in the community to get snacks and enjoy a movie. Other employees include Steve Hunter, the director of operations, and Luis Carillo as the assistant of operations, front of house manager, and volunteer coordinator. Rhonda Jameson is their movie technician. She also helps with other operations within the theatre. Finally, there’s Matt Khellam, who manages their website as well as the ticket system. With so much required to run the theatre, all the employees work multiple jobs at the Whiteside, and the theatre’s volunteers are invaluable.
The Whiteside is also the location where local theatrical group Erotic Nightmare Shadow Players puts on their annual shadow cast performance of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Pictured above is Sabrina Evans, who played the role of Columbia, and Clara Fulkerson, who played Magenta. They had a one night performance on June 1 to kick off Pride Month celebrations. Erotic Nightmare Shadow Players will be back again in October for their annual performances of “Rocky Horror” at the Whiteside.
With so much local history and a passionate, dedicated staff, the Whiteside Theatre is both an interesting place to visit as well as a fun way to experience some classic films. They are a huge supporter of the local scene – not only hosting fundraisers and providing resources to different groups of people, but they also provide a stage and clientele for local musicians in the Corvallis area. At nearly 102 years old, the Whiteside Theatre plays a large part in what makes Corvallis special.
