The Majestic Theatre

Karl C. LyBrand launched his long and colorful career in the entertainment business in Wills Point in 1907 as manager of the Wednesday Book Club Opera House. 
In 1926, the theatre building was built to show the silent movies that were all the rage. 
Probably the most memorable thing during the silent picture days was the orchestra that won fame in our area providing musical accompaniment to the films. 
The orchestra included Karl C. Lybrand on trumpet and Ms. Eva Lybrand on piano. The orchestra played until talking pictures took over the screen in 1933. 
The first talking picture shown her was “The Girl From Woolworths” starring Alice White.

Karl C. Lybrand III carries on the tradition of his father and grandfather operating the Majestic Theatre today. It is the longest continuously operated movie house in Texas.




Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home

The LyBrand family began in the funeral business in Wills Point in 1897. 
Four generations carried on the business, beginning with Julius LyBrand, who was the first licensed embalmer in Van Zandt County, 
then John C. LyBrand, and his son Herschel. The present building was built in 1987 after fire destroyed the original location in the downtown area. 
The Hiett’s purchased the funeral home in 2000.