By JACKIE HENRY
Managing Editor
jhenry@cherryroad.com
Tipton’s Diana Theatre has been owned by the same family for 96 years. Jim Paikos’ father, Nicholas, bought the Diana in 1926. Nicholas was a Greek immigrant coming to America at age 14, but the Diana was named after a Roman Goddess. A naming contest was implemented and a young boy won a $10 gold piece after his suggestion was selected. The Diana has seen four Paikos generations work her counters.
The single-screen Diana is a throwback to gentler and warmer times. Movies are selected with families and Tipton area values in mind. The theater includes a cry room, thought to be the only one in the state, possibly the nation, for parents of crying children to still watch the movie without bothering their seatmates. At Christmas and Easter, the Paikos family gives back to the community by treating the children and families to a free movie.
In a day of ever-rising costs, a movie in Tipton is more than reasonable. At $5 for adults and $3 for children 11 and under, it’s possible to take a family to the Diana complete with popcorn and soft drinks for less than $40. This is a secret well known to surrounding area residents who may travel 30 miles for an evening of entertainment and sometimes, a little nostalgia.
The Diana, now in the hands of the younger Nick Paikos, recently went through a renovation. With this renovation, the seats that were placed in 1968 were replaced, and the floors were refinished, among other items. It has taken on a bright and shiny look and the community is extremely excited about these changes.
Nick states he couldn’t have done it without the help of his family and several other community members and businesses. This includes Jeremy Little, The Mad Tap, John McCord, Abby Ripberger – The Greenhouse/Love Bug, Tim Horton – Horton’s Home and Garden, Lancaster Management, Don Douglas, Charlie Watkins, Gene Baranowski (who helped with the last seat installment in 1968), Gary Pennock, Steve Netherton, John Yates, Roland Yates, Trent Calvert, Greg Bartley, Gaylord Hall, Ron Perrin (also there in the 1968 seat installment), Keith Percival, Tyler Davis – Davis Flooring and Ron Wellinger.
“With the seating taking so much time and resources this year, the free Easter movie will not occur. We apologize for that change,” stated Nick. “However, we will be able to show the new Easter-time movie KING OF KINGS, at a special showing this Saturday, April 12. The show will begin at 10 a.m. and doors will open at 9:30 a.m.” Nick continued saying, “The movie is written by renowned writer Charles Dickens. It is the story of Jesus Christ with his son, Walter. As his father narrates the stirring tale, Walter becomes captivated by the events of Jesus’ life.” This special movie will be at the regular admission price.
Do yourself a favor and go see a movie at this beautiful, quaint movie theater!
(EDITOR’S NOTE: A call received from the Clark Insurance Group (Country Corner Insurance) changed everything for the special Easter movie. The company has informed Nick that they will be paying for everyone’s admission to see King of Kings. We really do live in a great community.)
