L.R. Taylor built the 465-seat theatre next door to the Commercial Hotel and it opened March 1, 1916, as the Linwood Theatre. Subsequent operators made improvements in sound and film. In 1930 the theatre’s name was changed to the Tarkio Theatre. As a young boy, Virgil Harbison would bring popcorn to the theater from his home to sell to patrons while they watched silent movies. Virgil purchased the theater in 1941 and operated it until his death in 1963. Members of his family operated the theatre and movies continued to be enjoyed by patrons until it burned to the ground in December of 1971. Efforts to raise funds to rebuild the theatre were unsuccessful, but it is remembered as a place where young and old were entertained with the best of movies. This picture was painted by Edna O’Dell and is featured in a book, “Tarkio Memories – Through the Art of Edna McCoy O’Dell,” being sold by Tarkio College. To request a copy of the book, contact Donald Jagger Photography, 12016 County Road 4001, Holts Summit, MO 65043, 660-623-0859, or email flasher@me.com.