The Gem Theatre opened Thanksgiving weekend in 1950
(photo of opening day top right)

( Excerpt from Riverton Ranger, 1950 and 2003
Right Bottom Photo)

ALL SMILES--Al Pesicka, general manager of the Gem and Acme theatres in Riverton, and Mrs.Tom Knight, wife of the former owner of the Gem and Acme theatres, were all smiles as they cut the ribbon to reopen the newly remodeled Gem theatre Wednesday night. The theatre has been closed two months for remodeling.

Mrs.Knight's husband built the Gem in 1950. Ed Johnson, Gem house manager, was also present at the gala opening but is not pictured.

The Gem closed for 7 months in order to remodel and expand at the end of 2002. In an attempt to keep the money spent on rebuilding in the community, ninety percent of the contractors used were from Fremont County.

The new Gem theatre opened on June 6, 2003 and featured the seating capacity of 98, 120,129, and 49, respectively. The newly remodeled building is located at 119 South 3rd East in Riverton, Wyoming.