EL RATON THEATRE
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Brief History

Taken from a "Cinema Treasures" Article

This little theatre is a gem.

Constructed as an Atmospheric style theatre, in the style of a medieval Spanish castle, the building was designed by the Albuquerque, New Mexico, architectural firm George Williamson, Inc. It was built for the partnership of Dr. L.A. Hubbard and Thomas F. Murphy. The cost of the theatre was reported to have been approximately $100,000. Construction began on July 15, 1929 and was completed for its grand opening on April 20, 1930. The inaugural movie was a Warner Brothers sound picture in natural color; “Song of the West” starring John Boles and Joe E. Brown.
The exterior facade has turrets, battlements and other appropriate decorations befitting a Spanish castle in the Gothic style of architecture. There are two storefronts located on each side of the main entrance to the theatre. The auditorium and balcony contained a total of approximately 520 seats.

The Spanish castle motif was reflected throughout the interior of the building. Surrounding the auditorium’s movie screen it resembles the theatre’s facade of an ancient castle. The audience were made to feel as if they were seated in a courtyard with the side-walls painted in a floral design, resemble vines growing over an old Spanish structure. The murals and designs were painted by the noted artist J. Charles Scnoor, grandson of Baron Jacob Carlzevalt Von Schnoor who was knighted by King Ludwig of Bavaria for his work in illustrating the German bible.

Contact Us

115 North 2nd Steet
Raton, NM 87740
575-445-7008

The Raton Evening Gazette for April 18, 1930, reported that the ceiling was painted in a “….soft deep blue of the southern sky, studded with many twinkling stars, and here and there, (clouds) floating leisurely across the arched expanse are so real that we can hardly believe we are surrounded by four walls and a roof.” The side-wall murals were painted over sometime in the past (possibly in the late-1940’s when some remodeling was done by architectural firm Brittelle, Ginner & Neuner) and the ceiling’s stars and clouds have also disappeared.

In August 2006, the theatre was listed on the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties. On January 17, 2007, the theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Properties.

In April 2008, three Raton couples, Traci and Ted Kamp, Kerry and Kristie Medina and Donna and Neil Emiro purchased the theatre.

Contributed by Ken Fletcher
cinematreasures.org/theaters/2691

PicturePhoto Credit: Chronicle-News
The neighboring Historic Shuler Theater also has a long history.  Learn more at these sites:
  • Shuler Theatre Website
  • Shuler Facebook Page
  • 100 Years Old, KRTN Article by Marty Mayfield
  • Shuler Rehabilitation, Chronicle-News Article by Russell Contreras
  • Trip Advisor Review

Hours
STAY TUNED FOR NEW HOURS IN 2023!

Movies at the Historic El Raton Theatre are shown in 2D and Dolby 3D when available.  All movies shown at the Historic Shuler Theater are only available in 2D.  Please refer to the calendar for scheduling. 
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Contact Us
115 North 2nd Street
Raton, NM 87740
575-445-7008
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The EL Raton is a Dolby Digital, 7.1 Surround Sound, Dolby 3-D Movie Theatre
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