The history of the Constantine
The Constantine Theatre has long stood as a symbol of Pawhuska’s rich history and community resilience. Its story begins in the late 19th century, with some sources suggesting the original structure was built in the 1880s as the Pawhuska House Hotel. Regardless of the exact date, this sandstone building was among the first permanent structures in downtown Pawhuska, alongside the Council House and Blacksmith House.
In 1911, Charles A. Constantine, a Greek entrepreneur from Constantinople, arrived in Pawhuska during the oil boom. His vision transformed the Pawhuska House Hotel into what would become the Constantine Theatre. Mr. Constantine was meticulous in his renovations, replacing the sandstone with red brick and hiring the finest craftsmen and acoustical engineers. He spared no expense, ensuring the theatre was equipped with oversized seats, comfortable heating, excellent ventilation, and exceptional acoustics.
The Constantine Theatre informally opened in 1914 with a silent film, Neptune’s Daughter, and later held a formal opening on December 22, 1914, with the performance of The Prince of Pilsen. The theatre quickly became a cultural hub, attracting vaudeville acts, musical performances, and even major oil lease auctions, attended by prominent oilmen such as Frank Phillips and William G. Skelly.
Despite its early success, the Constantine faced numerous challenges, including the devastating flood of 1915. In 1926, financial difficulties forced Constantine to sell the theatre, and it changed hands multiple times in the following decades. By the 1970s, the Constantine had been reduced to a movie house, renamed the Kihekah Movie Theatre, before it closed permanently in 1974.
The Constantine sat abandoned for ten years, reflecting the economic struggles of Pawhuska, which lost nearly a third of its population during that time. In 1984, a group of concerned citizens formed the Pawhuska Downtown Revitalization and Preservation Association (PDRPA), determined to save the town’s historic landmarks. Faced with limited resources, they focused on the Constantine Theatre, which shared a common wall with the Chamber of Commerce, thus sparing it from demolition.
Restoration efforts began in 1987, with volunteers and local high school carpentry students leading the charge. The restoration wasn’t just about repairing the building; it became a source of community pride and a catalyst for revitalizing Pawhuska’s downtown. Donations poured in from across the Midwest, and over time, the theatre’s original grandeur was carefully restored, from the brick-red tin ceiling to the ornate proscenium adorned with intertwining rope, oak leaves, and rosettes.
In 1988, the Constantine Theatre was declared structurally sound, and in the years that followed, it reclaimed its place as a cultural and historical icon in Pawhuska. While some locals spoke of the theatre’s ghostly figure—thought to be Sappho Constantine, Charles Constantine’s daughter—others credited the revitalization to the unwavering commitment of the community.
Today, the Constantine Theatre stands not only as a tribute to its founder’s vision but also as a testament to the determination of the people of Pawhuska, who refused to let their historic landmark fade into oblivion. The theatre remains a cornerstone of the town’s identity, serving as a venue for performances, events, and a reminder of the town’s enduring spirit.
*Research/Writing Credit: Kathy Wilder
