Dunkin Theater - Historic Landmark of Cushing

The glory days of the 1920's when money was flowing across the nation and especially out oil towns in Oklahoma, many grand structures emerged to add beauty or culture to towns. When exploring small towns note the great churches, libraries, business edifices and schools - many will date from the prosperous 1912-1928 period. The Dunkin Theater, 204-207 E. Broadway, was built in 1926.

In its heyday its swank interior sported tall velveteen curtains in a rich navy blue, extra-wide seats, a special refitted theater organ that cost over $4,000 (a common trend in the 1920's with great theaters on the east and west coasts closing down or being refitted to other venues - even churches bought them!) . It seated over 700. Its exterior featured carved stone dentils, rosettes and other trimming.

It closed recently after damage in the 2016 earthquake that trembled parts of downtown Cushing (see here) but word is that it has been purchased and is being refurbished (as of 2019). The theater was built by local businessman Hiram Dunkin (he also owned a saloon at one time) and branching out into entertainment must have been a natural progression.