The Rio (Vigilante) Theatre

Rio / Vigilante Theatre
335 N. Main • Opened Dec. 25, 1934
1890 Building remodeled by Helena Architect Sigvald Berg -- Still Standing

Building at 335 N. Main, 1907

Building at 335 N. Main, circa 1895
Seen from the northeast

COLLECTION OF KENNON BAIRD

Rio Theater Grand Opening, Christmas Day 1934

Among many other projects, Helena architect Sigvald Berg (1894-1985) also designed his home at 711 Monroe Avenue. In 1957 he designed a new wing for St. Peter's Hospital (on Logan), and in in 1960, the remodeling of Globe Clothing.

Rio Theater, June 1935

COURTESY OF THE DAVID POOR COLLECTION • CLICK ON IMAGE TO OPEN A BIG VIEW IN A NEW WINDOW

Rio Theatre, May 1937

COLLECTION OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM MULVANEY • CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW

Rio Theater Interior

COURTESY OF THE DAVID POOR COLLECTION • CLICK ON IMAGE TO OPEN A BIG VIEW IN A NEW WINDOW

May, 1937

COLLECTION OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM MULVANEY • CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW

Two Views of the Rio Theater Marquee, September 1936

COLLECTION OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM MULVANEY • CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW

Promotional Float, June 30, 1938

COLLECTION OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM MULVANEY • CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW

Both movie theaters and vaudeville/roadshow houses would put together such floats (often featuring pretty girls) and drive them around town to promote their offerings.

The Rio Becomes the Vigilante, 1952

The Rio operated until about 1946. In 1952, the facility reopened as the Vigilante Theatre. The Vigilante ran movies as well as providing a venue for religious revivials and other events. The theatre closed for good about 1959. Untouched by 1970s "Urban Renewal", the building has housed numerous businesses over the years.

The Building in 2015

COURTESY OF TOM KILMER

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