The Liberty Theatre - Eunice, LA (The Temple of Amusement)

200 Park Avenue

Eunice, LA 70535

30.492979,-92.416465 

            The Liberty Theatre became the “heart” of downtown Eunice upon its completion in 1924. It was called the “Temple of Amusement” and was the entertainment and performing arts mecca for the region. In addition to popular films, the proprietors supplied the public with operas, serious plays, musical comedies, and "high class vaudeville” acts.
            Much of the Liberty's success was due to the extraordinary promotional activities of part owner J. C. Keller, Sr. Year after year, Keller filled downtown Eunice with eager theatre goers and curious crowds anxious to see the Liberty's latest promotional gimmick. For example, at the theatre's opening Keller invited entertainers from around Louisiana and as far out as Hollywood. The opening ceremonies were attended by Fattie Arbuckle. On another occasion, a wire was strung from the Liberty across Second Street and a tightrope walker was hired to perform. Talk about big entertainment in a small town!

            In October 1924, Keller sponsored a car raffle at the theatre with an attendance of seven thousand. (The population of Eunice today is only about eleven thousand.) During the week of the raffle the Liberty drew three thousand theatre goers. Over the years personal appearances at the

Liberty Theatre State, Fixing to "Pass a Good Time!"

Liberty were made by the likes of Tex Ritter, Jimmy Clanton, the Bowery Boys, and Roy Rogers.
            It was the place where meetings were held, where campaigning politicians came to speak, and where clubs met. The theatre currently the home for Saturday-night broadcast of the Roundez Vous des Cajuns show.
            As with many haunted theaters, the haunted experiences are pretty cliché. People have reported the sounds of someone walking on the stage, disembodied voices coming from the balcony area and unknown voices from the audience area when no one is present. Additionally, the apparition of a young woman has been seen wandering around the building, primarily walking down the aisles.
            Our one investigation of the theatre proved to be a dud, but let me be the first to say that this does not discredit the years of experiences had by staff and guests alike. Trust me, if I knew of a way to make sprits act on command, I could be quite the rich man these! As my dad always said, “I wouldn't be eating cornbread and milk for supper right now!”