McSwain Theatre Still Stands Tall
Close your eyes and imagine it’s 1920. You’re in Ada, Oklahoma. The streets are busy. Businesses line Main Street. There's a mix of horses and cars on the roads, and on the corner of Main and Townsend the words McSwain 1920 mark the front of a beautiful building. Can you picture it?
At that time, The McSwain Theatre seated 1,250 people, and on a Friday or Saturday night Ada residents, along with people from surrounding communities would pack the theatre for a chance to see the latest movie. Get this. The price for a movie ticket in 1920 was 15-25 cents for adults and 10 cents for children (Count me in!)!
Ada is in the heart of south-central Oklahoma and is a town full of tradition and rich history. It’s the county seat for Pontotoc County and proudly claims Blake Shelton as its son. The city was founded in 1891 and named after one of the first settler’s daughter, Ada Reed. Ada is now home to East Central University, headquarters for the Chickasaw Nation and has a street named Blake Shelton Blvd.
The McSwain Theatre, where Blake Shelton once played, still stands tall on the corner of Main and Townsend. Time flew in this small town, but as the seasons change, the McSwain remains a historic landmark in this town. Case in point, you can still watch movies there today!
While you’re in Ada, don’t forget to stop by Lazer Zone for some family fun! Spend a Saturday morning shopping at the Farm Girl Boutique and don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee from Hot Shots Coffee House. If you are in need of some sweet treats, make a stop at Amber’s Sweet Shoppe!
Don’t forget to use #VisitChickasaw this holiday season, and who knows, you might be featured on our social media!
Until next time,
Kalli
(Orginally published on November 9, 2017. Updated on December 21, 2020. Updated April 4, 2023)
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