Border Theater
905 North Conway Blvd., Mission, TXBuilt in 1942 by Rio Grande Valley theater entrepreneurs Robert N. and Dell Smith, the Border Theater served as the flagship of their entertainment chain in South Texas. The brothers constructed this facility during a period of economic prosperity in the valley fostered by training facilities for America's armed response to World War II. It provided entertainment for soldiers stationed at nearby Moore Army Air Corps Field, as well as the Anglo and Hispanic citizens of Mission. One of several entertainment facilities built in the community during the early 20th century, the theater is a rare surviving example of the Pueblo Revival style. Its ornamentation is distinctive in a community where interpretations of the Spanish Colonial Revival style are much more common. As it illustrates commercial development patterns enumerated contextually by Grapefruit's Lone Star Home: the Development of Mission, Texas, the theater is nominated at the local level of significance in the areas of Entertainment/Recreation as well as Community Planning and Development.
Prominent Dallas theater architect William J. Moore designed the Border Theater, which was built in late 1941 and early 1942. Lower Rio Grande Valley contractor George Holliday served as general contractor for the project. What the 1942 newspapers hailed as "...the Valley's newest and most beautiful show house...," the Border Theater highlighted several modern features. In the early 1940s, the Border Theater was the only movie house in the Valley with air conditioning throughout the building. When the theater complex was completed, it included office spaces, a clinic, two stores, and two apartments. Employees of the Border Theater used the offices and apartments in the building, and the other spaces were leased to local businesses and professionals. Dr. Ottis Walker's clinic fronted 9th Street and the mercantile units were immediately north and south of the main theater entrance (Mission Times 3 April 1942).
The Border's interior contained seating for 500 people on the main floor and on a balcony. Stylized murals graced either side of the inside walls of the theater. The murals, painted by Dallas artist E. Risser, depicted idealized scenes of Hispanic life in Mission and the Rio Grande Valley before Anglo occupation. The figures in each mural were highlighted with fluorescent paint both to impart three-dimensional quality to the images and to allow their visibility in the darkened theater. The Border was the second theater in Texas, after one in nearby Alice, to use this decorative technique. The Border Theater opened on April 3, 1942, with the thematically appropriate Roy Rogers film, "Heart of the Rio Grande" (Mission Times 3 April 1942).
Owned and operated by independent theater operators Robert N. and Dell Smith, the Border Theater was one of five facilities operated by the family in South Texas. The Smiths also owned the Mission Theater (razed) in Mission, the Rio and Raymon theaters in Raymondville, and the Cactus Theater in Falfurrias. For a brief period, they also operated the Plaza Theater in Donna. A member of the National War Activities Committee of the motion picture industry, Robert Smith showed many nationally sanctioned "patriotic" propaganda pictures and Hollywood movies with military themes during the war years (Mission Times 3 April 1942). The national economic boom resulting from U.S. involvement in World War II enhanced Mission's economy, as did the construction and operation of nearby Moore Army Air Corps Field. Incoming civilian workers, military personnel, and long-time Mission citizens alike attended shows at the luxurious, air-conditioned new theater.
A succession of absentee owners operated the theater following the Smith management of the property. Mission businessman Hector Garza and his aunt, Concepcion Gavilan of Rio Grande City, purchased the theater in 1978, operated it for several years, then sold it to Bill and Gen Long in the 1990s.
The Border Theater survives as a prominent architectural landmark in Mission's northern business district. This area has traditionally served as the town's primary center for commercial activity and over the years has experienced many changes. Most of the area's historic commercial architecture has been modified and remodeled, thereby compromising the downtown's overall historic character and integrity. The Border Theater, however, is an exception, and it remains a vital tangible link to the city's past. Moreover, it retains its integrity to a high degree and is a rare example of a building with Pueblo Revival stylistic embellishment. The stucco veneer and decorative vigas are indicative of the style. The Border Theater has sustained few alterations since its original construction in 1942. The well-attended movie house retains the atmosphere of a theater built during the early 1940s. It is the only movie theater in Mission that was built during the town's historic period and remains in operation today.
Local significance of the building:
Prominent Dallas theater architect William J. Moore designed the Border Theater, which was built in late 1941 and early 1942. Lower Rio Grande Valley contractor George Holliday served as general contractor for the project. What the 1942 newspapers hailed as "...the Valley's newest and most beautiful show house...," the Border Theater highlighted several modern features. In the early 1940s, the Border Theater was the only movie house in the Valley with air conditioning throughout the building. When the theater complex was completed, it included office spaces, a clinic, two stores, and two apartments. Employees of the Border Theater used the offices and apartments in the building, and the other spaces were leased to local businesses and professionals. Dr. Ottis Walker's clinic fronted 9th Street and the mercantile units were immediately north and south of the main theater entrance (Mission Times 3 April 1942).
The Border's interior contained seating for 500 people on the main floor and on a balcony. Stylized murals graced either side of the inside walls of the theater. The murals, painted by Dallas artist E. Risser, depicted idealized scenes of Hispanic life in Mission and the Rio Grande Valley before Anglo occupation. The figures in each mural were highlighted with fluorescent paint both to impart three-dimensional quality to the images and to allow their visibility in the darkened theater. The Border was the second theater in Texas, after one in nearby Alice, to use this decorative technique. The Border Theater opened on April 3, 1942, with the thematically appropriate Roy Rogers film, "Heart of the Rio Grande" (Mission Times 3 April 1942).
Owned and operated by independent theater operators Robert N. and Dell Smith, the Border Theater was one of five facilities operated by the family in South Texas. The Smiths also owned the Mission Theater (razed) in Mission, the Rio and Raymon theaters in Raymondville, and the Cactus Theater in Falfurrias. For a brief period, they also operated the Plaza Theater in Donna. A member of the National War Activities Committee of the motion picture industry, Robert Smith showed many nationally sanctioned "patriotic" propaganda pictures and Hollywood movies with military themes during the war years (Mission Times 3 April 1942). The national economic boom resulting from U.S. involvement in World War II enhanced Mission's economy, as did the construction and operation of nearby Moore Army Air Corps Field. Incoming civilian workers, military personnel, and long-time Mission citizens alike attended shows at the luxurious, air-conditioned new theater.
A succession of absentee owners operated the theater following the Smith management of the property. Mission businessman Hector Garza and his aunt, Concepcion Gavilan of Rio Grande City, purchased the theater in 1978, operated it for several years, then sold it to Bill and Gen Long in the 1990s.
The Border Theater survives as a prominent architectural landmark in Mission's northern business district. This area has traditionally served as the town's primary center for commercial activity and over the years has experienced many changes. Most of the area's historic commercial architecture has been modified and remodeled, thereby compromising the downtown's overall historic character and integrity. The Border Theater, however, is an exception, and it remains a vital tangible link to the city's past. Moreover, it retains its integrity to a high degree and is a rare example of a building with Pueblo Revival stylistic embellishment. The stucco veneer and decorative vigas are indicative of the style. The Border Theater has sustained few alterations since its original construction in 1942. The well-attended movie house retains the atmosphere of a theater built during the early 1940s. It is the only movie theater in Mission that was built during the town's historic period and remains in operation today.
Community Planning And Development; Entertainment/recreation
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
About Hidalgo County
Hidalgo County Timeline
Hidalgo County, located in Southern Texas, has a rich history that spans back thousands of years. The region was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan, Karankawa, and Caddo peoples. These tribes thrived in the area, relying on agriculture, hunting, fishing, and trade.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, bringing new settlers and establishing missions. During this time, the land belonged to Spain and was considered a part of New Spain. The Spanish influence can still be seen today in the names of many cities and landmarks in Hidalgo County.
In the 19th century, Mexico gained independence from Spain and Hidalgo County became part of the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. However, with the Texas Revolution in 1836, the region became a part of the Republic of Texas and was eventually incorporated into the United States with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hidalgo County experienced significant growth due to the expansion of the railroad industry and the development of irrigation techniques. This led to the establishment of prosperous agricultural communities, with cotton being the main cash crop. Over time, the population became increasingly diverse, with a mix of Mexican, Anglo-American, and other immigrant communities.
Today, Hidalgo County is a thriving region known for its vibrant culture, strong agricultural industry, and close proximity to the US-Mexico border. It is home to cities such as McAllen and Edinburg, as well as popular tourist attractions like the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge and the International Museum of Art and Science. The county continues to evolve, with a growing population and a dynamic economy driven by healthcare, education, manufacturing, and international trade.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, bringing new settlers and establishing missions. During this time, the land belonged to Spain and was considered a part of New Spain. The Spanish influence can still be seen today in the names of many cities and landmarks in Hidalgo County.
In the 19th century, Mexico gained independence from Spain and Hidalgo County became part of the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. However, with the Texas Revolution in 1836, the region became a part of the Republic of Texas and was eventually incorporated into the United States with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hidalgo County experienced significant growth due to the expansion of the railroad industry and the development of irrigation techniques. This led to the establishment of prosperous agricultural communities, with cotton being the main cash crop. Over time, the population became increasingly diverse, with a mix of Mexican, Anglo-American, and other immigrant communities.
Today, Hidalgo County is a thriving region known for its vibrant culture, strong agricultural industry, and close proximity to the US-Mexico border. It is home to cities such as McAllen and Edinburg, as well as popular tourist attractions like the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge and the International Museum of Art and Science. The county continues to evolve, with a growing population and a dynamic economy driven by healthcare, education, manufacturing, and international trade.
Hidalgo County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hidalgo County, Texas.
- 1749 - The area that is now Hidalgo County is explored by Spanish explorers.
- 1767 - The Spanish government establishes a settlement called Reynosa in the area.
- 1821 - Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Hidalgo County becomes a part of Mexico.
- 1836 - Texas declares independence from Mexico, and Hidalgo County becomes a part of the Republic of Texas.
- 1848 - The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, ending the Mexican-American War, and Hidalgo County becomes a part of the United States.
- 1852 - Hidalgo County is officially established as a county in the state of Texas.
- 1909 - The city of McAllen is founded.
- 1944 - The Hidalgo County Courthouse, a historic landmark, is completed.
- 1954 - The Hidalgo County Water Improvement District No. 4 is created to provide irrigation and drainage services.
- 1970 - The population of Hidalgo County reaches over 200,000.
- 2001 - The new Hidalgo County Administration Building opens.