Blind Frank's Concessions / Wilson Theatre

This small triangular space within the Wilson Building housed Blind Frank's concessions. Frank Deno was a long-time concessionaire for the Theatre. He lost his sight in a Montana mining accident that almost killed him.

After his family relocated to Acequia in 1907, Frank purchased a poultry ranch. Following his wife's death, he sold the ranch and opened his store, where he raised his family selling penny candy and popcorn and repairing radios. Even though he was blind, he felt the coins customers gave him and was rarely cheated.

Frank's presence became so memorable that visitors would later ask, "Do you remember Blind Frank?" He exemplified one of Rupert's many informal education courses — free to students of any age — using touch to compensate for his lack of sight and helping make the Wilson Theatre a cherished community landmark.