Fox Theater Phoenix Art Deco Style

Page 2 Phoenix Fox Theater 1931-1975

ART DECO was a clean cut modern look beginning about 1915 to 1930 consisting of geometric shapes, half circles and well defined lines. Craftsmen used images of speed such as the automobile, airplane, gazelle, archer and the greyhound. There was also Lightning to symbolize speed and machinery gear wheels to represent industry.

In the Depression of the 1930s due to economic hardship, a more conservative attitude was back in favor.
The 30s characteristics were a round look instead of geometric, and feminine fashions of flowers instead of boldly colored abstracts. The Jazz age was over. The new style was called Depression Modern.

Diana in Greek mythology was a goddess of hunting and archery but paradoxically in the confusion of Greek myths she was also the defender of wild animals. She became a favorite subject for poets, painters and sculptors who thought of her as the chaste goddess, the moon goddess, the goddess of the hunt. With her bow drawn, she was speed, with her greyhounds and leaping gazelles perfect for Art Deco design, which was all through the Fox Theater. The favorite finish for Deco designers was gold on silver.

The Fox employees in the 30's were men ushers only and they wore white coats and ties. In the 40's there were men and women ushers. The uniform changed to reflect the western style of Phoenix but still looked a bit Art Deco. The uniforms were maroon with gray yokes and cuffs, white piping and buttons. Women wore calfskin moccasins and the men wore black cowboy boots.

Mary Winter sent this photo, she is in the front row, third from the right. Mary also met her husband at the Fox. This photo is 1947. Manager Clyde Griffen is on the left.

Fox ushers c.1939. Clyde Griffen on left.

Here are some typical decorations from the 30's similar to designs at the Fox theater: