Wiley L. Jones
El Paso, TX |
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| Having worked at the Plaza Theatre during the 50s and 60s as a doorman/usher and finally assistant manager, I was fortunate to be a part of the good memories that came along. I was proud to be employed as such a famous theater. Just the size and architecture were absolutely wonderful. I have been to every accessible area of the theater that very few people knew about. The theater had a unique communication system between the ushers at each aisle and the head usher, which in turn communicated to the doorman as to which aisle and how many vacant seats were available. I was there when a few dedicated fellows came to the theater and began restoring the Mighty Wurlitzer theater organ from a period of neglect. I watched them as they diligently brought the organ back to life again. Only knowing some knowledge of playing an organ, I had the opportunity to play the organ. These fellows did a wonderful service and we are privileged again to enjoy the organ as we did then. Among the many celebrities that visited the theater those days, one was Sandra Dee. She was touring with her mother when her first movie was being shown. I had the opportunity to talk with them. Just one memorable moment among so many, was when a young couple came to the theater one evening after the young man had proposed to the girl earlier. While they were sitting near the back of the theater, the girl discovered the ring had slipped off. We searched all around their seats and failed to come up with the ring. I really felt sorry for the couple. |
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