On May 11, 1912, B. W. Copeland opens Spokane's lavish Rex Theater. Representing an expenditure of $20,000, the venue holds almost every modern convenience known to moviegoers at the time, and was said to have enjoyed big business.
With a seating capacity of 500, the venue was a long one, with a 120-foot span (or "throw") between the projection booth and the screen. In 1913, the house employed two projectionists at salaries of $25 per week. Projectionists were expected to work six-hour shifts and operate both of the Rex's machines, a Simplex projector and the popular Powers #6 model.
Sources:
"Rex Theater, Spokane, Wash.," The Moving Picture World, July 5, 1913, p. 36.
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