The Chief Theatre was purchased from the Berger Amusement Company by the Baehr Brothers, A. W. and E. J., owners of the Bemidji Theatre.
The deal involved the purchased of the Paramount Theatre in Brainerd by the Baehr Brothers who also own the Brainerd Theatre which will be managed by Cal Nygaard, former Bemidji man.
John Bender will take over the management of the Chief Theatre and Wm. Bender will continue leasing the Bemidji Theatre. The Ben Franklin Store operated jointly by the Bender Brothers will have a manager to run the business while John, who has been the active manager, will run the Chief.
The Baehr Brothers opened their first theatre, the Bemidji Theatre, in 1933 and have since expanded to 14 theatres. They have also been interested in the oil business and have several oil stations located here. Bennie Berger started in the theatre business here in 1928 purchasing the Brinkman Theatre interests. (Northland Times, January 21, 1944)