History:
As the railroad spread through the nation to Cedar Falls, Iowa, community people were anxious to be part of the traveling theatre audience. Building a theatrical performance hall had been a dream for years, of both Frank Cotton and the local community. In 1910, the dream became a reality when the Cotton Theatre opened its doors. The theatre changed its name in 1918 to the Regent Theatre. Owner and manager, Merle Blair, promoted movies through a variety of innovative ideas. Many residents remember the days of bicycles, nylons and various prizes being given away on the Regent stage. Gene Blair managed the theatre for many years and in 1991 the Blair Family and the Beck Trust gifted the building to the Cedar Falls Community Theatre. The CFCT board, and community as a whole, raised and spent $1.2 million to restore the building. In June of 1994 the name was changed to the Oster Regent Theatre.
