After tonight Bemidji will be served by two motion picture theatres instead of three as has been in the past. A deal was consummated Saturday afternoon whereby Oliver Whaley of the Harding-Whaley Co., operators of the Grand theatre, disposed of his interests to G. S. Harding.
A new corporation was formed and will be known as the Incorporated Theatres of Bemidji, and this corporation will operate the Elko and Grand Theaters. Thompson and Pflock, former owners of the Elko theatre sold their interests to this new corporation in which the principal trust is owned by M. E. Brinkman, Fred Brinkman and G. S. Harding. The Rex theatre, formerly owned by M. E. Brinkman and Fred Brinkman, will be closed permanently after tonight’s show. The Grand theatre will be managed by the Brinkmans while the Elko theatre will be under the active management of G. S. Harding.
Oliver Whaley sold his interests to Mr. Harding and plans to retire tire from the motion picture business. Charles Pflock and T. A. Thompson, former owners of the Elko, who purchased that show house recently from the Harding-Whaley Co., are to leave Bemidji soon; Mr. Pflock returning to his former position as director of the orchestra in the Grand theatre at Crookston and Mr. Thompson to Neilsville, Minn. Mr. Pflock plans to continue his music classes at Crookston as in the past, while Mr. Thompson will be located on his farm at Neilsville for the present at least. (Oct 23, 1922)