Rosewood History. Qld.
The Lyceum Picture Palace
© Jane Schy 2026
On the morning of the 21st May 1925, a telegram was received by the Deputy Postmaster-General in Brisbane, Mr. John McConachie, from the Postmaster at Rosewood, Mr. A. J. Hayes: “Lyceum Picture Palace, John Street, Rosewood, occupied by Messrs. Castrisos and Cashell, totally destroyed by fire 4 a.m. today.”
The Lyceum Picture Palace in John Street was owned by Mrs. Euphemia Ruhno. It was situated on the land next to the Courthouse, now No 3 John Street. It was originally Tronson’s large emporium. Extensive alterations were made. It was newly painted, thoroughly renovated and fitted up as a modern picture theatre. It was reportedly “a decided ornament to the town.”
Solicitors Pender and Pender wrote to the Rosewood Shire Council in early February 1925, on behalf of George Castrisos (Rosewood), Blackwell Hope, (Lowood), and John Cashell (Brisbane). They were applying for a license to conduct a picture theatre in Rosewood. After studying the plan of the building, the license was granted. The managers were Theodore Comino and Con. Castrisos.
The magazine “Everyones”, in March 1925, gave the following: Rosewood is to shortly have a second picture show. The enterprising foreigners who have a solid grip on the restaurants of this State, are certainly casting their eyes with meaning on the picture business. In no less than three small towns I have visited this week, I have heard of likely shows that may materialise in time. However the indication is that they are anxious to enter the field of entertainment.
Blackwell Hope arranged for the latest model Simplex projector from Australasian Films Ltd to be installed at the theatre. (1) It featured the new Simplex pedestal, nickel plated and enamelled green. The projector was equipped with H. & S. boosters, and Hall and Connelly high intensity lamp, 150 amperes. It had double bearing movement witha Hahn-Goerz reflector arc and slide attachment. 
APOLOGY. Messrs. Blackwell Hope, Jack Cashell, and George Castrisos, Proprietors of the Lyceum Picture Theatre, Rosewood.
In compliance with your request for an apology on account of certain words publicly displayed at my Theatre known as “Pictureland,” on Saturday, March 21, 1925, I now admit that as a result of the publication of the words complained of, the public might be induced to shun, ridicule, or despise you and that damage would be incurred by you in your business as a result. I admit also that you have given no provocation whatever for such an action, and I now openly and unreservedly tender you my apology for allowing the words complained of to be exhibited. I consent to your publishing this apology at my expense once each in “The Rosewood Register and Marburg Mail” and in “The Queensland Times,” and otherwise using this apology as you should deem fit for the information of the public. Dated at Rosewood this Twenty-fourth day of March, 1925. NORMAN J. BOUGHEN, Proprietor of Pictureland, Rosewood. Witness: R. J. WALSH, Solicitor, Rosewood.
The front portion of the Lyceum was used as a shop and there was also a section used as a skating rink.
The Lyceum Picture Palace was not destined to operate for very long. The whole building burned down at about 3.40 a.m. on 21st May 1925. The fire was first noticed by William O’Shea, of O’Shea Bros., butchers, who was on his way to work and saw flames coming out from the building. He raised the alarm about 4 a.m. to wake the residents from their sleep by the sound of church bells ringing. Residents knew the church bells at this time indicated a fire. From all directions people hurried to the scene. The fire had already gained a strong hold, and when the films used the previous evening caught fire, the flames leapt to a great height. The glare could be seen by the folk at Calvert. The roof collapsed early, and in a little time the whole building was razed to the ground.
Photo: The ruins of the Lyceum Theatre, Rosewood, which was destroyed by fire. The heat was so intense that all the windows of Pender and Pender’s two-storied brick building opposite were cracked, and the awning and front of the cafe adjoining ignited. — R. de Stokar photo. (2)
The buildings in the photo are L-R Rosewood Hotel, White Rose Cafe, Pender Building, National Bank and the end of Evan’s Garage.
Debris left by the fire which destroyed the Lyceum picture theatre, Rosewood. Note St Brigid’s Church in the background. (3)
A bucket brigade was formed which saved the court house a few yards away. The building on the other side caught fire but it was extinguished. The heat was so fierce it cracked the windows in Messrs. Comino and Castrisos’ White Rose Cafe, which was opposite the picture theatre, and also those of Michael O’Reilly and Demas 
Akes. The awning and front of the cafe was scorched when it caught fire, but it was quickly extinguished.
Messrs Castrisos and Cashell lost their piano, cinematograph (projector), and all fittings. Several sheets of plate glass stored in the theatre were also destroyed. The engine was all that survived the fire. The fittings, cinematograph, piano etc. were covered by insurance.
The origin of the fire was believed to have been a lit cigarette which was dropped on the floor during the pictures on the previous evening, yet everything appeared to be all right at the close of business.
An inquiry was held at the Rosewood Court House on 5th, 6th, and 7th June before Mr. R. J. Hart, J.P., and conducted by Sergeant T. J. Regan. Evidence was given by Jack Cashell, George Castrisos, Theo. Comino, Con. Castrisos, L. Hines, J. Stirling, W. O’Shea, W. Nuffer, W. Ruhno, and Constable A. B. Clark. There being no suspicious circumstances, the inquiry was closed.
The building was insured with the Victoria Insurance Company and valued at about £1200, but it wasn’t rebuilt. Shops were built on the site instead.
References
(1) Queensland Week Ending March 27. (1st April 1925)
(2) Illustrated News Budget (Brisbane, Qld.), Saturday, 6 June 1925, page 21
(3) The Daily Mail (Brisbane, Qld) Thursday, 28 May 1925, page 11
(4) Everyones, Vol.4 No.263 (18 March 1925)