Mack Theatre in Port Angeles opens on November 24, 1922.

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On November 24, 1922, the Mack Theatre -- later known as the Olympian -- opens in Port Angeles, Washington. The three-story theater -- designed by architect George B. Purvis -- was managed by Mack J. Davis, and added an impressive landmark to the Port Angeles skyline.

Opening night at the Mack featured the silent film Remembrance, based on a story by popular novelist Rupert Hughes. The picture was preceded by an address from Professor C.W. Hodge, superintendent of Port Angeles Schools.

At least one local paper was wholeheartedly behind the new Mack, noting that the location of the venue was “[d]own where a few years ago the frogs used to croak as they plowed their way through the green slime of a stagnant pool at the base of a hill where chipmunks bombarded each other with salal berries ...”

This much-needed local improvement later became known as the Olympian Theatre. It is unclear when the venue changed names.

Sources:
“Mack (Olympian) Theatre -- Port Angeles,” Puget Sound Pipeline Online, (http://www.pstos.org/instruments/wa/port-angeles/mack.htm); “Mack Theater Great Credit to the City and Monument to Progress and Foresight,” newspaper clipping dated November 23, 1922, Puget Sound Pipeline Online, Ibid.

By Eric L. Flom, February 04, 2003

Mack Theatre (1922), Port Angeles
Courtesy Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society

Opening night program, Mack Theatre (1922), Port Angeles, November 24, 1922
Courtesy Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society