The Eltrym Theater first opened its doors on June 27, 1940 premiering the film "Ghost Breakers" starring Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard.  The opening celebration was quite a spectacle. More than 100 out-of-town theater owners and managers and film company representatives were said to be present at the opening (Democrat Herald, June 27, 1940).

In his opening tribute speech, Mark Cory, RKC representative from Portland, proclaimed that "The structure  is a monument not only to the community but to a woman, Myrtle Buckmiller, who always wanted a new showhouse for the city (Democrat Herald, June 28, 1940)."

On opening night, the Eltrym was fortunate enough to receive telegrams from various stars, including Bob Hope, Paulette Goddard, Cary Grant and Bing Crosby, wishing the theater well.  The telegram sent by Bob Hope is quoted in the June 28, 1940 Democrat Herald as saying "Good news to hear you're letting 'Ghost Breakers' break in your fine new theater and I hope the show gives all Baker as many laughs as we had in making it.  I want to express my congratulations to you and my good wishes to all my friends of the new Eltrym.  I hope they will all enjoy the "Ghost Breaker" and I hope you will enjoy many successful years at the Eltrym."

Located in Baker City's historic district, the Eltrym Theater was restored in 1997 and kept with its original 1940 Art Deco theme.    The first owner's wife Myrtle wouldn't let her husband put her name on the building so he spelled it backwards, hence the unique name "Eltrym".  As for the unique color of the theater, according to the June 12, 1940 Democrat Herald, "Warm rose shades, blues, greens predominate."  The owners of the theater in 1997 decided to keep this color scheme in remodeling the theatre.

The building has been further renovated with the addition of two screens so there are now three movies to choose from with luxury reclining seats and digital surround sound stereo.