Boughen's Electrical Service

Boughen's shop has been a part of the Rosewood landscape since at least 1950 and is still there today. In earlier days around 1950, the store was a small timber building close to the current store at 32 John Street, Rosewood.

At one time, a large tin shed had occupied the site at 32 John Street housing an aeroplane that was used for joy flights. The Majestic Theatre opposite was operated by Frances Boughen and her son Norman, and when it was torn down, the family built the New Majestic Theatre on this site. It opened in June 1939. It cost £2000 to construct. The first film shown in the new theatre was the 1936 film Treachery Rides the Range, starring Dick Foran, the singing cowboy.

“In addition to the screening of pictures, the theatre will be available as a ballroom, with a dance floor space of 4500 square feet. The stage is 24ft. by 10ft. and the theatre has a seating capacity of 600.” NEW THEATRE OPENED. (1939, July 3). Queensland p. 6

The façade of the New Majestic is very similar to the old structure. At the front of the new theatre were the canvas seats with the more comfortable seats at the back.

Both Majestic theatres screened movies but were also used as a local venue for balls, meetings, boxing tournaments, and sporting events. The annual St Patrick’s Day concert was a highlight of the year.

The colour scheme of the theatre and usherettes’ uniform were brown and cream. The theatre featured Magna Coustian sound system and Arcomizer projection lighting. There was a cafe in the theatre. Rosewood sawmill supplied timber for the building. 

The New Majestic was still in use as a theatre until at the mid-1960s. At one time, it was used as a roller-skating rink.

Shirley and Ron Boughen bought the New Majestic Theatre in 1975 and set up Boughen's Electrical Service providing electrical installations and repairs. Inside, you will find a wide range of electrical goods as well as a range of giftware. At the back of the building, the original signage from the theatre can be seen and although not visible, the old projection equipment remains in place.

At one time (c1990s), the OK Saddlery Rosewood also operated from the same address and is currently a dress shop.