November 19, 2008 Final curtain call for beloved NH theater Play video

(NECN: Lauren Collins, Exeter, NH) - Exeter, New Hampshire is home to one of New England's oldest movie houses. The Ioka Theater has been a downtown fixture for nine decades, but is set to close on Christmas Eve -- the victim of updated building codes and increased costs.

The Ioka opened its doors to great fanfare in November 1915 with the full-length feature, "Birth of a Nation," a film now considered controversial and racist, but 93 years ago, a huge hit.

"There were people dressed up as Klansmen, riding through the streets to help promote the film."

While that story is well documented, many urban legends have debuted in the last nine decades. According to Ioka's Web site, Exeter Judge Edwards Mayer was inspired to build the theater by his uncle, Hollywood giant Louis B. Mayer of the MGM fame. But, Historical Society curator Barbara Rimkunas says there is no proof of that lineage. Old newspaper articles show Mayer secured financing from local investors, built the theater and defaulted six months later and skipped town.

"So, the legend was that the word Ioka stood for "I owe kelly all." Kelly was the contractor, who had already been paid by the time Mayer skipped town."

The theater, actually named in a 1915 contest, still shadows its heyday, with a 60-year-old popcorn machine and original tin ceiling.

"The Ioka has been at the brink before, and in fact has closed its doors on several occasions over its long and storied history,

but this time around what's needed to save it would be extremely expensive, and would compromise its architectural integrity."

Co-owner and president Roger Detzler, who runs the theater as a side job, wasn't available for an on-camera interview, but explains in a statement:

"The closure is the result of several contributing factors, primarily the need for a sprinkler system, increased utility and insurance costs, and an overall hostile business environment."

He goes on to say:

"We have stated repeatedly our inability to finance these improvements. Even if we could, I don't believe it is in the best interest of the theater to do so."

Unless a new owner comes forward, the Ioka will close on Christmas Eve with a performance of "The Nutcracker."