Fernie & Elk Valley Culture Guide Fernie & Elk Valley Cultural Guide - Winter 18-19 | Page 29

BUILT HERITAGE
VOGUE THEATRE
As the Great Fire of 1908 ravaged
Fernie the members of the Miner’s
Union must have breathed a sigh of
relief. The 60ft lot they had purchased
with the intention of building a hall still
stood empty and the union suffered
no loss of assets. Plans were ready
however, and by 1909 the Miner’s Hall
Opera House opened as a welcome
addition to the three popular theatres
already in operation in the town. The
theatre space was later leased as a
private business and renamed as the
Grand Theatre, while the Miner’s
Union continued business in the
upstairs offices.
In 1947, Sam Rossell reopened the
venue as The Vogue Theatre. While
the property has housed several other
businesses at various times including a
grocery Co-op, furniture and second
hand stores, laundry and a Piano
Parlour, it has now returned to its
original purpose as an entertainment
venue, and the name endures.
Dennis and Roxana Djonlich purchased
the building in 2006 and quickly set
about fully renovating and refurbishing
the dark and dated theatre. The original
building is known as ‘Rennaisance
Revival’ and while simple, has a number
of attractive period features including
fanned window caps and cornices. The
renovation is a combination of bright
and modern with plenty of nods to the
past including period-style chandeliers
and a pressed tin ceiling. The theatre
offers 7pm screenings of the latest
films, 9pm screenings during peak
periods, 3D screenings and weekend
matinees. The Vogue Theatre also
supports the community as a venue for
film festivals and special screenings,
including the Banff Mountain Film
Festival, Reel Canadian Film Festival
and International Fly Fishing Film
Festival. A video arcade on the 2nd
floor is available for private parties.
Ferniemovies.com | 250-423-7111
321 2nd Ave
29