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Photo 11, Louisville Historical Museum 2003.009.001 <br />Ownership of the Rex Theatre by Carmen and Ann Romano, 1945-1972 <br />Carmen Romano was a projectionist at the Rex Theatre during the ownership of Sandy <br />Biella, and he and his wife, Ann, ended up owning and operating it beginning in 1945. <br />During the day, he worked as a coal miner in area coal mines and even became a mine <br />superintendent. <br />Carmen Romano was born in Italy in 1906 and moved to the Louisville area in 1922. He <br />died in 1993. Ann DiFrancia Romano was born in Superior in 1907. She passed away in <br />1999. <br />Carmen's skills as a mechanic, electrician, and plumber were useful in the business. A <br />narrative about Carmen Romano written by his brother, Lewis, stated that Carmen <br />made the marquee and "he was always on the ladder changing the billboard for coming <br />new shows." Records at the Museum indicate that the Romanos also improved the <br />building by installing restrooms. Carmen and Ann would drive to Denver every week to <br />pick up a new film. They also are remembered for their efforts to quiet noisy young <br />people in the audience. <br />Photos 12 and 13 show the Rex Theatre in the 1940s. <br />