The Nickel Theater lasted the shortest period of time of any theater in Webster City. This occurred when in 1909, the Unique Theatre was sold to Fred N. Martin, the son of E. H. Martin. He decided to run the theater three days a week as a motion picture theater only and four days a week with vaudeville acts, illustrated songs, and the motion pictures. To designate this change a different name was given to the three-day-a-week motion picture which was based on the ticket price of five cents. It was called the “Nickel Theater.”
Soon, it became apparent that the public was not supporting the motion picture only idea, so it reverted back to the combination of vaudeville and motion pictures. The Jan. 29, 1909 issue of the Tribune states, “Fred N. Martin, the new proprietor, has decided to restore the vaudeville feature and charge ten cents. The public did not take to the five cent show. Mr. Martin has decided to give them a good ten cent show in the future.” In 1911, the Unique Theatre was closed. The building then housed the Grempel Harness Shop, which was moved from the 700 block of Second Street. Most recently, the building was occupied by the Coulter Paint and Drapery Store.