El Caro Theatre

El Caro opening day-night - Courtesy of Tommy Neathery's Collection
El Caro opening day-night – Courtesy of Tommy Neathery’s Collection
Interior of the El Caro Theater in 1940 (Photo from the Oklahoma Historical Society archives)
Interior of the El Caro Theater in 1940 (Photo from the Oklahoma Historical Society archives)
El Caro Theater S Bickford 1939. Paramount Pictures utilized blueprint for Inca Theater Okmulgee. posted Ken Parker Facebook
El Caro Theater S Bickford 1939. Paramount Pictures utilized blueprint for Inca Theater Okmulgee. posted Ken Parker Facebook

The El Reno Daily Tribune (El Reno, Okla.), Vol. 47, No. 63, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 19, 1938 Page 3 of 10

THEATRE CONTEST WINNERS CHOSEN

Prizes To Be Given For Best Names

First prize in the contest to select a name for El Reno’s new theatre, the El Caro, will be awarded to M. I. Owens, Sr., 716 Sunset drive, it was disclosed today by E. H. Slocum, owner and operator of the theatre.

While the name submitted by Mr. Owen, “El Rey,” will not be used, it was chosen by three impartial judges, who are not connected with the theatre, as the best submitted.

Second prize will be awarded to Mary E. Holland, 301 South Evans avenue, and third place prize will be presented to Geneva Holland, Okarche route 3.

The name El Caro was coined from the words, El Reno and Canadian, by Mr. Slocum, “meaning the city of El Reno and Canadian county.”

Formal Opening Friday

The new theatre, at 110 South Bickford avenue, is modernistic in design and furnishing, and has equipment of the latest type designed to give the maximum in service.

Showing for the grand opening Friday night and Saturday will be “Thunder in the City,” starring Edward G. Robinson.

“The Awful Truth,” starring Irene Dunn, will be shown at a prevue Saturday night and Sunday and Monday, and it will be followed Tuesday and Wednesday by “Exclusive,” in which Fred MacMurray plays the leading role.