Historical Commission Agenda and Packet 2016 03 02

Home Browse Search

Ownership of the Rex Theatre by Carmen and Ann Romano, 1945 -1972 Carmen Romano was a projectionist at the Rex Theatre during the ownership of Sandy Biella, and he and his wife, Ann, ended up owning and operating it beginning in 1945. During the day, he worked as a coal miner in area coal mines and even became a mine superintendent. Carmen Romano was born in Italy in 1906 and moved to the Louisville area in 1922. He died in 1993. Ann DiFrancia Romano was born in Superior in 1907. She passed away in 1999. Carmen's skills as a mechanic, electrician, and plumber were useful in the business. A narrative about Carmen Romano written by his brother, Lewis, stated that Carmen made the marquee and "he was always on the ladder changing the billboard for coming new shows." Records at the Museum indicate that the Romanos also improved the building by installing restrooms. Carmen and Ann would drive to Denver every week to pick up a new film. They also are remembered for their efforts to quiet noisy young people in the audience. Photos 12 and 13 show the Rex Theatre in the 1940s. Photo 12, Louisville Historical Museum 2009.017 Photo 12, from 1946, shows that the building still had the large "Rex" sign at the top, but the marquee had been built.