By Mary Slater
Contributing Writer
©The Recorder December 19, 2019
George Bohm first opened his new theatre on Superior Street on Christmas Day 1929. It was truly a gem and especially grand since the Great Depression had just set in.
One of its most grand features was the Barton theatre organ, complete with all the bells and whistles required to accompany the silent films of the era.
…before opening the first movie to the public, Bohm invited a small group of friends to see the new theatre and its organ.
Early that Christmas morning, before opening the first movie to the public, Bohm invited a small group of friends to see the new theatre and its organ.
This group included Bud Davis’ mother, stepfather, two sisters, and his uncle and aunt, John and Lillian Osborn of River Rouge.
The Osborns were teachers and she also played the organs at the River Rouge Theatre and at their church. Both were Albion College graduates.
John was also a high school classmate of Bohm, who was pleased to have Lillian play the Bohm organ.
Helen Sharp, the ticket seller, who knew when to charge each child the adult price upon reaching the age of 12.
Davis, only seven years old at the time, was amazed to see his aunt sitting at the magnificent organ as it rose from the hidden depths.
His other early recollections of The Bohm include memories of Helen Sharp, the ticket seller, who knew when to charge each child the adult price upon reaching the age of 12.
Davis grew up in Albion and has lived in the area most of his life. After graduating from Albion High School, he first worked at the Commercial and Savings Bank. During WWII, he served in the United States Air Force. While he was home on leave, he began to date Olivia (Ruby) whom he had known in high school, she being a year behind him.
At the time, she was serving in the United Stated Navy WAVES, and she was also home on leave.
They married in 1947. (Sadly, she passed away in 2019).
After the war, Davis was employed as city clerk and city treasurer.
His next career move was to Albion Industries, of which he later became co-owner, vice-president, and treasurer.
Bud and Ruby Davis with Elizabeth Schultheiss of the Albion Community Foundation at the ribbon cutting in October 2014.
Read more about the ribbon cutting on this link:
“Albion has always been good to me,” Davis recently said, And, indeed, he has expressed his appreciation for Albion through many gifts supporting the city and the college on various projects.
Most particularly, he was a major contributor toward the historic renovation of The Bohm Theatre, also known as The Davis Center for Film and the Performing Arts.
He also made possible the Davis Gallery for displaying the works of local artists in the Bohm II.
The Bohm hosts many activities in addition to film, including music and cultural events. As a nonprofit organization, it always needs community support.
For more information or to make a contribution, visit www.bohmtheatre.org
Footnote: R. Bud Davis passed away on March 19, 2020.
More Bohm Theatre Posts on this website:
Stronger Together: Black Work, Business, and Belonging in Albion By Maggie LaNoue, Contributing WriterFebruary 27, 2026 Families First Learning Center operates in the former Crowell
Educators Honored as ‘Architects of Possibility’ at Albion MLK Convocation By Maggie LaNoue, Contributing Writer February 20, 2026 Students, families, educators and community members filled
Teaching the Dream: MLK Convocation Brings Albion Together at the Bohm By Maggie LaNoue, Contributing WriterFebruary 13, 2026 Albion Branch NAACP President Ronnie Sims stands
See things that were happening in June 2023 in Albion! June 2022 had more special events like T-ball and Trails dedications
Smiles, cheers, and school pride lit up Albion’s Superior Street as Marshall High School seniors paraded downtown in their caps and gowns. Friends, families, and
Cascarelli’s of Albion and other local restaurants served a few more guests from out of state this past weekend, Cascarelli’s of Albion and other local
Art Bohm events are part of our October snapshot series! Bohm Theater in Albion offers a special exhibit and purchase opportunity Saturday, October 24, for
Even though the Bohm Theatre is closed for now, due to the pandemic, the movies are still rolling on! There is also live music still
Censor Theatre, Albion, Mich, 1916 The first “talkie” movie that came to Albion was shown at the Censor Theatre in May, 1929; it was a
Photo card from circa 1907 by the acclaimed photographer Pesha who went all over Michigan producing picture postcards. Morning Star, December 16, 2012, pg 17
Albion gears up for the latest challenge, this one is world wide. Michigan restaurants are now carry out only, schools are closed, and the grocery
This information is reprinted with permission from The Recorder.
© 2021 The Recorder Newspaper. All rights reserved (About Us).
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of The Recorder.
