The spirits who reside here have different motivations and reasons
for making the theatre their home.

They make themselves known in startling ways.

DESCRIPTION

“A Piece of Hollywood in Tucson”

This fully restored, 1300-seat theatre is the only one with the unique ZigZag/Art Deco style that melds elements from the southwest Native American culture and the traditional Art Deco decor, which became popular in the southwest from 1928-1935.

The restoration effort of the Fox Theatre received such strong support, resulting in a wonderful environment to enjoy all the forms of entertainment that is embraced by the patrons who live locally and abroad.

Thirteen million dollars went into the restoration, allowing the theatre to brightly shine once again on December 31st, 2005. The ZigZag/Art Deco decor is seen in a wonderful variety of materials, “including ceramic tile, cast stone, wrought iron, plastered concrete, cast plaster, acoustic plaster, and paint.” (NRHP)

Besides restoring the roof, and the auditorium chandelier, “the decorative plaster, mural and Acoustone acoustic material restoration that looks like “finely finished stone,” photographs allowed preservationists to recreate the “original seat fabric, carpet pattern, and light fixtures.” (NRHP)

In the center of the auditorium ceiling is the magnificent polychromatic sunburst and cloud mural, that was retouched to impress once more. The colors of yellow, orange, purple, green and brown shades really pop!

Many other examples of ZigZag/Art Deco designs are found throughout the building, including both lobbies and lounges, and the stage area which is the focal point of the auditorium, “surrounded by an ornamental cast plaster proscenium that is stepped and edged with a purple and gold decorated band.” (NRHP)

The dressing rooms in the basement were finally finished, and can be used by the live performances that take place on the stage.

HISTORY

The idea of having a grand Zigzag/Art Deco Theatre was the brainchild of four immigrant brothers: David, Nick, Frank, George, and their uncle James Xallis. They shortened their original Greek last name, Diasmantatsko s to Diamos.

They did well, and by 1929 owned most of the theatres in southern Arizona, that made up of their “Lyric Amusement chain of theatres.”

What they thought they needed next was their own crown jewel of a theatre. The story of the Fox Theatre started in 1929 when the Diamos Family hired California architect Eugene Durfee to design their new masterpiece, The Tower, to be a grand example of the glorious Zigzag /Art Deco style, adding a southwestern flavor.

The $300,000 theatre plans were versatile, allowing a dual purpose. Both a film palace, and vaudeville/live performances could be accommodated with its wide stage, a full fly-loft, and dressing rooms. A twenty-thousand dollar Wurlitzer Pipe Organ in the middle of the orchestra pit was the cherry on top.

It was to be a great addition to their chain that included Tucson’s Lyric Theater and Plaza Theater, and the Grand Theatre in Douglas.

However, before The Tower was finished, the Fox West Coast Motion-picture Company came to town and made them “an offer they couldn’t refuse.” (The Godfather: Part One, 1972).

If the family refused to lease all their theatres to them, Fox would build another theater in Tucson and send all their films exclusively to it. While their dream was squashed, the Diamos family still got some funds back via the lease agreement, and their crown jewel would be built as designed. It was a small comfort.

After spending the full $300,000 budget, the 1300-seat Fox Theatre opened to impress all with its glittery, showcase decor, on April 11th, 1930. There was a huge party, including a waxed street for dancing to the music of four live bands. A radio broadcast was set up, as well as free trolley rides to downtown Congress Street.

Ticket holders were invited inside and taken to their seats by fifteen usherettes, dressed in “saiorette uniforms.” The interior of the auditorium was an awe-inspiring experience, and a grand escape from Depression era worries. The theatre even had air conditioning, thanks to their evaporative cooling system. In 1936, it was replaced with more modern air conditioning.

To add glamor and excitement, actors and actresses under contract with Fox made appearances: Don Alvarado, Polly Moran, Charles Fanell and Gwen Leed. Fox West Coast executives also attended, and welcomed the audience.

The audience got their monies-worth. The orchestra played its overture, “A Spanish Fantasy” to honor the southwest heritage of the decor.

Next on the program was well-known jazz orchestra conductor Herb Nixon, who performed on the grand Wurlitzer organ.

Three short films followed.

The main film was a musical, “Chasing Rainbows,” known for its song, “Happy Days Are Here Again.” The Fox West Coast Motion Picture Company started off on the right foot with the people who bought tickets, as well as the folks outside enjoying the music and dancing.

Fox Theatre offered the first-run films of Fox West Coast, while Fox Lyric became the second-run film theater, and the Plaza offered Spanish language films.

As the Depression dragged on, Fox traded rights with Warner Bros, RKO, and later with United Artists to broaden their film selections to please their patrons.

They also held numerous special nights to draw in members of the community, such as Bank Night that offered a chance to win a large cash prize. China Night offered a complete set of china to a lucky ticket holder.

Also popular were Ladies Night, bicycle races and concerts, the Miss Southern Arizona beauty pageant, and parades. Fox West Coast Motion Picture Company also sponsored The Mickey Mouse Club, which had its start in 1930.

During the 1940s, business was booming, as everyone wanted to see the WW2 films and newsreels. After the end of the war, their promotions and events to encourage community participation began its downswing.

Tucson went through a population boom. People wanted more recreation facilities in order to enjoy the beauty of Tucson. Suburbs became popular places to live, and other forms of competition, like drive-in theaters and television, drew people away from downtown Tucson. Even a facelift for the theatre in 1956 was too late.

In the sixties, the downtown central business area suffered a commercial decline, which was the final nail in the coffin. Fox put it back on the real estate market. Several owners tried to revive it but failed.

It finally wound up in the hands of developers, who decided to just let it decline naturally until it was too far gone to save, as they planned to tear it down to build an office building. They must have known how much of a city landmark it had become.

While it was an abandoned property for twenty-four years, it became shelter for forty homeless people. The developers’ plan nearly worked. A very leaky roof caused a lot of damage. Vandalism, water damage and neglect of the building nearly made it too far gone to save.

Luckily, people woke up just in time in 1997, and formed the non-profit Fox Theatre Foundation, which put pressure on the owners. After two years of negotiations, the developers sold it to the foundation for $250,000 in 1999.

Repairs started immediately, with the installation of a new roof, and repair of the auditorium’s grand chandelier, which inspired theatre lovers who supported the restoration enthusiastically. Over two hundred volunteers used their skills to help.

The full restoration took six years and cost eleven million dollars, which was raised by a “unique partnering of public donations and private ones such as TIF funding, private donations and Grants.”

Historic tax credits and New Markets tax credits were taken as well. The city, state and federal government also contributed. To finish the project, the city of Tucson came up with a bond package and was approved to finish it by 2005.

It opened once again to offer a variety of entertainment to its supportive community. “The Fox is on track to host over 100 events annually, and will see over 100,000 patrons each year. Associated sales tax revenue, increases in retail and restaurant business as well as parking revenue to the downtown area will be unmatched by any other preservation project to date.” (Wikipedia Source)

HISTORY OF MANIFESTATIONS

When a dilapidated structure is restored with the basic necessities still present like a roof, as well as some of its beauty, spirits who have connections to it will become active.

Geiser Grand Hotel, OR (This hotel experienced quite a transition. It went from being a home for birds to a beautifully restored hotel. The spirits enthusiastically encouraged the workmen).

Hartford Twain House Museum, CT (This once glorious forever home of the Twain family had the bad luck of having owners who didn’t do maintenance, so it slipped into an uninhabitable condition. In 1929, a group of Hartford preservationists saved it and meticulously restored it to all of its glory. The spirits of the Twain family and a few servants moved back inside).

Stanley Theatre, NY (When it became unusable as a building for anything, the community rallied together to raise $135,000 to save it from developers).

The Fox Theatre, AZ (After a destructive fire that caused a lot expensive damage, it was fortunate to finally wind up with owners who made a partnership with the city, state and Federal government to repair and reopen it, much to the joy of the spirits).

People who die in the middle of doing something vital can be stuck in this world as spirits, still trying to accomplish their pressing task.

Hunt/Phelan House, TN (During the Civil War, a trusted servant was given the task of hiding the family’s valuables for safe keeping. He died during the Yankee occupation, before he could tell his master where he hid them).

Gettysburg Battlefield, PA (The spirits of fallen soldiers are still fighting the battles that they were involved with when killed).

Pig’s Alley, Harper’s Ferry, WV (Freed slave Dangerfield Newby joined John Brown’s raiders, hoping to earn enough money to buy his wife and seven children out of slavery. Unfortunately, during the initial attack in 1859, a determined group of town defenders shot spikes at the raiders. One spike killed Dangerfield. His spirit is still seen in Pig Alley, deep in thought, still trying to come up with a plan).

The Fox Theatre, AZ (During the Depression years, a desperate father would beg for money from the theatre patrons inside the lobby and outside the entrance. He suddenly died, but his spirit is still trying to feed his family).

Spirits of children like to reside in places which they enjoyed while alive, especially if they lost their lives near or inside these special places.

Cuppa Coffee Cafe and More, CA (The spirit of ten year old Amy used to live with her family on the second floor apartment above her family’s store. When she died, she chose to stay in her family home).

Orpheus Theatre (Grand Theatre), TN (The spirit of ten-year-old Mary died in an accident right outside the entrance. She is full of mischief and gets her private chuckles at the expense of the living).

Stranahan House Museum, FL (The spirit of a young Native American died in the doorway of her favorite friend, Mrs. Stranahan, who had been teaching her).

Fox Theatre, AZ (The spirit of a little girl who may have suffered a sudden death, has a lot of fun playing in the theatre).

People who thoroughly enjoy participating in the jobs needed for theatres to have successful stage performances, sometimes continue on as spirits, trying the best they can without a body. They sometimes give themselves new jobs).

Variety Theatre, OH (The spirits of former lighting and stage crews relive their work experiences so they can apply for new positions when the theatre reopens. One spirit of the foreman is already offering advice).

Elsinore Theatre, OR (The spirit of former owner George Guthrie still keeps a close eye on all stage productions, especially the quality of the acting and stage lighting. Better be on your toes!).

Tampa Theatre, FL (The spirit of projectionist Foster Fink Finley still comes to work, as well as enjoying the theatre that he loved while alive).

Fox Theatre, AZ (The spirit of a dedicated employee likes to keep an eye on the living projectionists to be sure they do a good job).

MANIFESTATIONS

PARANORMAL FINDINGS

Patrons, staff and investigators have experienced the spirits who reside here. Members of the Tucson Ghost Company have collected hard evidence, and have had many personal experiences.

Tucson Ghost Company have investigated the theatre many times and have caught EVPs of six different spirits, have caught personal appearances of spirits, either on film or through their own observations.

STILL HAUNTED?

Yes Indeed!

The spirits are friendly, and stay for their own reasons. Some haven’t been identified yet, but all are welcomed by the owners of the theatre. Every year, around Halloween, ghost tours are conducted by members of the Tucson Ghost Company.

LOCATION

17 W. Congress St.
Tucson, Arizona 85701

It is located on West Congress Street, between S. Stone Avenue, and S. Church Avenue.

SOURCES INCLUDE

• NRHP https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/c4a7f0e6-2fd1-40a4-a043-fdd5df414ee7
• https://www.library.pima.gov/content/ghosts-in-tucson/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD8TWwKXVYI
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_Tucson_Theatre
• https://thisistucson.com/todo/tucsons-fox-theatre-has-a-haunted-history/article_63793e40-bb5f-11e7-8ea7-0bb4b5347149.html
• https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/fox-theatre-a-haunted-history

Our Haunted Paranormal Stories are Written by Julie Carr

Our Photos are copyrighted by Tom Carr

Your Paranormal Road Trip

VIDEOS TO WATCH:

Fox Tucson Theatre Ghost Investigation

Fox Theatre: A Haunted History

UCG – A Fox Theatre, A Haunted History

Fox Theater Ghost Hunt