City Council Approves Controversial 'Shields Park' Theater
Despite neighborhood opposition, Walla Walla officials greenlight a new outdoor theater, sparking a debate over the quality and morality of local entertainment.
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A short session of the council was held last night. The action of Chief Kauffman in issuing a license to Edward Shields for Shields' Park in East Alder was sustained, although a big remonstrance against the issuance had been filed. Councilmen Kirkman and Brewer both voted against granting it until it could be determined what sort of show Mr. Shields intends to conduct. Manager Nelson was present and said he would guarantee a clean show. The work on Shields Park, located on the corner of Main and Palouse streets, is nearly completed and will be in apple-pie order for the grand opening on Monday, June 22. Management states the shows will be 'strictly refined and moral,' catering especially to women and children.
“Councilman Kirkman and Brewer both voted against granting it until it could be determined what sort of show Mr. Shields intends to conduct.”
The tension between residential zoning and local entertainment venues remains a staple of Walla Walla city politics. Just as neighbors in 1903 fretted over the 'moral' quality of the theater on East Alder, modern residents frequently debate how new commercial developments impact their neighborhoods.
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