See A Show At The Historic Theater In Washington Where Bing Crosby Once Worked

The city of Spokane is one of the largest cities in Washington state, second only to Seattle. But in 1906, Spokane was a rapidly growing small town and home to a little boy named Harry Lillis Crosby, better known as Bing. The Crosbys were a musical family and lived in Spokane for many years. As a young man in 1925, Bing took his love for the stage to the Clemmer Theater in Spokane, where he worked providing musical entertainment during intermission. Times have changed, and Spokane has grown, but you can still see a show at the historic theater in Washington where Bing Crosby once worked.

The lavish Clemmer Theater originally opened in 1915 as an 800-seat silent-movie theater boasting opulent painted murals and a Grand Kimball organ.

During the summer of 1925, a young man by the name of Bing Crosby took the stage of the Clemmer to provide entertainment to theater patrons during intermission and between movies with his musical partner Al Rinker.

In 1988 the theater was meticulously renovated. The original murals and lighting fixtures were lovingly restored, keeping the old Hollywood feel of the theatre.

In 2006, a citizen's group got permission to rename the theater after Bing Crosby, raising money to purchase a new marquee in honor of Spokane's celebrated entertainer.

During renovations, the stage was widened, giving theatergoers a more rich and full theater experience. Today patrons can enjoy movies, live theater productions, live music, comedy, and dance at The Bing.

It is said that the spirit of Bing Crosby lingers on in the theater. But if you're in the mood for spirits of another variety, head upstairs to the Ovations Lounge during intermission.

Bing Crosby eventually left Spokane and went on to enjoy a lifelong career in the entertainment industry. Bing is one of the few entertainers to have three separate stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame but the residents of Spokane are proud to call Bing one of their own.

Feel the rich history and enjoy the theater the way it was intended in the old days of silent film at the Bing Crosby Theater. If you like to visit spirits of the past, be sure to check out these Spokane, Washington, ghost stories. Have you visited the Bing Crosby Theater? What show did you see? Let us know in the comments.