The Empire was a steady component of the Baker theater scene, up until it closed in the 1950's. The Empire was operating during the time of the Clarick, and still there when the Orpheum was destroyed by fire. In the 1950's with the advent of television, it was clear there was only enough business to sustain one theater in Baker, and with the newly built Eltrym in the mix, the Empire became the unfortunate casualty. After the Empire closed, the building was converted to a normal commercial space. In 1954 the Empire building housed the "Baker County Citizens" campaign headquarters. 

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