The current building was built in the 1950's by Richard Kiefer
(Kiefer Theatres). Projectors are still original including the carbon arc light source. The floor was wood &
there was rows & rows of wooden bench seats. It wasn't uncommon for some wise-cracker to get everyone rocking the
bench which would then tip the whole row over.
Later purchased by Don Wilder, who also owned the jewelry store
in Hardisty. He renamed it Vista Theatre.
Wayne & Edith Bitzer purchased it in 1969.
Admission prices:
Adults $1.00
Students $0.75
Children $0.50
In the early years it was common to have double-features on
Saturday nights. After the late movie, everyone would push the bench seats to the outsides & it became a dance hall.
The theatre also hosted an annual talent contest. The screen lifted up to become parallel to the ceiling creating
more room on the stage & access to a backroom. There was even a coin operated popcorn vending machine
($.10/bag).
Wayne taught his oldest son Wyatt to operate the projectors
at the age of 12. Kerry (daughter) began working the concession at a young age as well.
In 1979 a major renovation was done. This included a total
facelift inside & out. Washrooms were installed (no more need for the outhouse behind the theatre). This is
when the floor was sloped & permanent seats were put in. This is also when the concession (lobby) was separated
from the auditorium. A brand new curtain (with electric motor) was also installed. Bringing an end to the
tradition of the "popcorn girl" going up on stage to open the curtain before every movie.
Trevor (youngest son) began cleaning the theatre after school
at the age of 9. In 1981 Wyatt taught Trevor (12 years old) to operate the projectors, which he did until
he left for college in the summer of 1986.
Kerry (daughter) & Allan Baumgartner then took over the
Vista Theatre until they closed it on Nov.3, 1987. Soon after that Allan took a work transfer that moved him
out of Hardisty.
Trevor Bitzer moved home in May 1988 from college after getting
his diploma in Accounting at NAIT. Yet to find a job, Trevor decided to re-open the Vista Theatre which had been closed
for 7 months.
1st movie (June 1 &
3, 1988)
"Three
Men & a Baby" starring Tom Selleck,
Ted
Danson &
Steve
Guttenburg
2nd movie (June 4 &
6, 1988)
"Overboard"
starring Kurt Russel
&
Goldie Hawn
3rd movie (June 8 &
10, 1988)
"Good
Morning Vietnam" starring Robin
Williams
22 years later, Trevor now has his wife Barb selling tickets
& updating decor. Daughters Andria & Miranda capably handle the concession & son Braden helps clean after
the movies. It has become a full-family business.
