On Oct.1 Beaverton’s Gem Theater turned 85 years old. Though it is not the oldest business operating in the county – the Gladwin County Record holds that distinction at 147 years – but the Gem is old enough that there are very few who can remember its opening day on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 1940.
It has had a surprisingly few owners over those years.
It was built by local farmer and grocery store owner, James Methner and his wife Leona. They ran it together until Leona’s death in 1979. Jim continued the operation until just before his own death in December 1989. Henry Huckins bought the place in 1990 and in 1996 made improvements such as more modern seating, a surround-sound system, and some echo-dampening curtains on the side walls. Like Jim Methner, Henry kept the ticket prices as low as he could. Most theater owners make very little on the movies themselves – the lion’s share of that money goes to the studios and distribution systems. The local theater’s primary revenues come from the concession sales. After several years of expenses often exceeding revenues, Mr. Huckins finally decided to close or sell in 2001.