Oyen Theatre Pop Sez Popcorn Machine donated by Eric Chrysler

By Kaydance Stammers

Page 227, Many Trails Crossed Here, Vol. 1: says:

“Block 3, Lots 5-6: Oyen’s Theatre was built by T. Todd, the station agent, in 1917. From 1924 to 1946, it was owned by R. F. Shacker. For two years, it was run by Mr. Wade, and since then owned and operated by Cecil Mansfield.

“For many years, it was the only large hall in town and, not only movies but dances and all large public meetings were held there. The theatre was torn down in 1974 to make room for the Provincial Building.”

Born in New Westminster, BC, in 1942, Eric Chrysler moved to East

Coulee in 1952 with his mother and twin sister Budz, then to Youngstown and finally to Oyen in 1955. Eric met Shirley Helm in Oyen, and they were married in 1965. During those years, Eric worked for Cec Mansfield at Oyen Utilities and in the Oyen Theatre. He then moved on to work as a mechanic for Al and Rose Jardine in their garage and then for Hugh Allen.

Along the way Eric acquired the popcorn machine and on June 20, 2022, he donated it to the Crossroads Museum to inspire and remind people about all the movies this community enjoyed, with popcorn, over the years.

The Pop Pez was made to vend hot popcorn for only 10 cents. It was made in the mid to late 1940s. This particular popcorn machine was an upright model, but countertop models were also made. While the machine didn’t make the popcorn, the stores with the machine would store the popcorn inside, keeping it hot for customers to buy.

You would put 10 cents into the machine, put the provided popcorn bag under the funnel, and the machine would dispense the popcorn for you.

It is located in Benton Hall of the Oyen Crossroads Museum.

Eric passed away peacefully in Calgary on February 4, 2025, at 82.

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