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The Sun Theatre


category : Theatres
The Sun Theatre The Sun Theatre was built and used as an opera house from 1909-1926. In 1927, the theatre was opened by Glen VanWey. Children were charged 10 cents and adults 20 cents for silent movies accompanied by an orchestra. The 1930s brought sound, Technicolor and controversy over allowing movies to be shown on Sundays. The public vote narrowly approved Sunday movies. When money was scarce during the depression, the theatre advertised "egg nights" - a dozen eggs valued at 6 cents was the price of admission. Glen VanWey's son, Ernie, operated the theatre from 1956-1981. A fund drive by the Gothenburg Community Playhouse to "Save the Sun" has kept the theatre open under volunteer management and public contributions. Currently, the theatre runs weekly movies Friday through Sunday and sponsors Community Playhouse productions several times a year.


Address: 10th & Avenue D

Come visit us in Gothenburg, Nebraska

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Veterans' War Memorial

Located on the west shore of Lake Helen, this memorial is a reminder of sacrifices made by veterans and their families of all wars. The names listed commemorate local residents who gave their lives. World War I:

Gothenburg, NE Memorials

City Parks

Gothenburg has four parks covering 55 acres. Facilities include swings, picnic areas, pool, athletic fields, football stadium, ball parks, camping areas, and playground equipment. Two playgrounds in Gothenburg have all types of playground equipment. Lafayette Park:

Gothenburg, NE RV Parks

Ernest A. Calling House

Ernest A. Calling, a pioneer businessman of Gothenburg, hired L.J. Anderson to build this distinctive Queen Anne style home in 1907. Born in Klipp, Sweden, in 1870, Calling emigrated to the United States in 1889

Gothenburg, NE National Register

First Presbyterian Church

In August of 1904, the ground on which the church now stands was purchased for the sum of $450. Ground was broken in August 1905 and the original building was competed in early 1907. At that time, the total cost of the building was $5,650. The beautiful stain glass windows are original.

Gothenburg, NE Historic Churches

Historic Depot

In the years from 1863 to 1868 the railroad had become a certainty. During the five year period, the first operations of mapping, surveying, setting telegraph poles and planning the roadbed had been completed. The railroad through this territory was completed in 1868

Gothenburg, NE Railroad History

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