Gladys Theatres
Palacios, Texas
 

Gladys Theatres

In July 1912, Clifton McCoy Rhea and his family moved to Palacios. Rhea & Son first opened a moving picture show in the Clement building which was on Commerce Street.

After seeking approval from the City Council to build on Commerce Street, Mr. Rhea opened The Gladys Air Dome Theatre in 1913.  Mr. Rhea owned the theatre and named it after his daughter, Gladys. Popular silent motion pictures were shown. The family lived in Palacios for a few years until they moved to San Antonio in 1915. Unfortunately, the building is no longer standing. It was possibly located between 5^th and 6^th Street on Commerce next to the Outrigger location.

The air dome theatres were common across the country during that era. They were either under a tent similar to a circus tent or open air. They were precursors to drive-in theaters. It is possible that the “building” in the photo is only a façade for a tent or open air theatre behind it.

Pictures courtesy of City By the Museum in Palacios. Research and information courtesy of Katie Hutto, PAHA City By the Sea museum coordinator.
 

Postcard written by Clara Rhea mentioning the moving picture show and daughter, Gladys
 

Photo courtesy of Katie Hutto & City by the Sea Museum
The Gladys Air Dome can be seen in this 1914 4th of July Parade photo. It is east of the Williams Building and next to Perry Realty Company.
 

C. M. Rhea, of Hempstead, spent several days in the city visiting old friends, Mr. Tolleson and family. Mr. Rhea combined business and pleasure as he is her in the interest of an electric theatre. If Mr. Rhea decides to locate Palacios will receive a treat, as Mr. Rhea’s equipments are all modern and up to date.—Palacios Beacon, July 5, 1912
 

The Gladys Picture Show, of Hempstead, of which Rhea & Son are proprietors, has located at Palacios, and will open one day next week. Watch for later announcements as to place and date.—Palacios Beacon, July 12, 1912
 

Messrs. Rhea & Son opened their moving picture show in the Clement building Thursday evening and will exhibit every night except Sunday. It will be known as the Gladys theatre.—Palacios Beacon, July 19, 1912
 

Automobile Votes at the Picture Show

Manager Rhea of the Gladys Theatre, has arranged with the Beacon for giving votes in the automobile contest with admissions to the theatre. He will give votes on Monday and Wednesday evenings of next week—ten votes with every admission paid. Votes will be given on other dates to be announced later. Go and see the splendid pictures and get the votes for your friend in the contest on the evenings mentioned.—Palacios Beacon, September 13, 1912 [The automobile contest was sponsored by the Beacon and the contestant receiving  the highest number of votes would receive “a fine auto.” The winner was Neva E. Whyman who garnered 2,031,130 votes. Second place was Judge Willis with 852, 545.]
 

Farmers Attention

“Farming With Dynamite.” A 1200 foot reel, exemplifying ditching, blowing up trees, stumps, ploughing, etc., by the Dupont Powder Co., will be put on by the Gladys picture show management, Saturday Sept. 28, at 8:15 p. m. Be sure and see it.—Palacios Beacon, September 27, 1912
 

The Sophs entertained the Preps last Friday night in a novel way. The two classes went to the Gladys theatre to see the “movies.” The gentlemanly and courteous proprietor, Mr. C. M. Rhea, turned things over to the visitors who had decorated the seats and who gave their class yells at the intermissions. This proved a very unique departure from the usual class entertainment and everyone who was present is still talking of the good time they had, and of Mr. Rhea’s kindness.--Palacios Beacon, April 25, 1913
 

Council Proceedings

Moved by Hoopingarner seconded by Wilkerson that the petition of Mr. Rhea to build an air dome on Commerce street be granted. Carried.—Palacios Beacon, May 2, 1913
 

Buy-A-Balers At Palacios

The following interesting note appeared in Tuesday’s Houston Chronicle.

To the editor of the Chronicle.

The Gladys motion picture show, of which Rhea and Son are managers, has led out for the picture shows by buying a bale of cotton, grade middling, also offering to buy a bale each from all the merchant buyers here.

We believe in the Buy-A-Bale movement, so let others follow.

Rhea & Son, Managers, Palacios , Texas—Palacios Beacon, October 2, 1914
 

Socialist Candidates to Speak At Palacios

Mr. E. R. Meitzen, of Hallettsville, socialist candidate for governor, and Mr. W. S. Noble, of Rockdale, socialist candidate for Lieut. Governor, will speak at Palacios next Wednesday the 21^st inst, at the Gladys Airdome at 4:15 p. m. and at the Williamson hall at 8 p. m.—Palacios Beacon, October 30, 1914
 

Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Rhea are to be congratulated upon the safe arrival of a fine ten pound boy baby at their home last Monday.—Palacios Beacon, December 25, 1914
 

Mr. C. M. Rhea and family left Tuesday morning for San Antonio, where they will locate.—Palacios Beacon, November 19, 1915