Here is a bit of it's history thanks to it's owner, Robbin Terry.

The "R Theater" was built in 1946 by the Mitchell family. The name came from the first initial of the children and mother of the family. The Mitchell Family also owned the R Restaurant located in the theater as well. A sign used on Rt 66 advertising the restaurant was salvaged and will hang inside the building. The theater was sold in the late 70's as a new cinema opened in Springfield that housed more than one screen.

 The building would seat about 550 people and also had some other bands and acts playing on the large wooden stage. The projection room sat about 25' off the floor and there was no balcony. The Mitchells later sold the theater to a local owner who tried to keep it open but was forced out of business due to a lack of business.

 The building would later house such things as a video arcade, tattoo shop, and apartments in a crude sort of way. The last owner placed wooden decking to the sloped concrete floor and had bands play inside the building. The last band that played there was the David Nelson Band. David Nelson was a guitarist for Jerry Garcia.

The building was a disaster when Robbin purchased it. It sat empty for 3 1/2 years and needless to say there was nothing functional. He has made quite a few improvements in the building and keep making these as days go by.