The Auburn Mall, which first opened its doors in 1979, was once a bustling hub of activity set on expansive open land. Over the years, a multitude of vibrant restaurants and shopping centers have sprung up around it, transforming the area into a thriving commercial district. However, the mall itself, which was the original catalyst for this retail boom, no longer enjoys the same level of success it once did. While it still hosts various tenants, it has lost many of its key attractions from its early days over three decades ago, including a beloved two-screen movie theater.

As a resident of the Oxford Hills during my high school years, the Auburn Mall was a significant destination for us. We often made the drive there to catch movies because it was one of only two nearby theaters that weren’t drive-ins. The other option was located at the Promenade Mall in Lewiston, now known as Gendron Place, which also featured two theaters tucked away at the back of the building. About a decade ago, I captured a photo of what little remained of those theaters, preserving a piece of local history.

The Auburn Mall’s twin theater opened on November 25, 1981, and for a little over nine years, it provided countless memories for moviegoers. However, the arrival of larger multiplex theaters marked the beginning of its decline. In 1986, Hoyts Entertainment acquired the Auburn Mall Cinemas and later opened a new theater in 1990, which is where today’s Flagship Cinema stands. The final films shown at the Auburn Mall Cinemas were “Home Alone” and “Three Men and a Little Lady.” For those wondering about the location of these nostalgic theaters, they were situated to the left of where TD Bank’s offices currently reside within the mall, close to the present-day restrooms and vending machines.

In its heyday, the vending machines occupied the space where the box office and concession stand once stood. The theater entrances were just to the left of this area. One vivid memory I have from those days is watching “Can’t Buy Me Love,” featuring a young Patrick Dempsey, who hails from nearby Turner. It’s surreal to think that 30 years later, I would meet him in person, completely unaware at the time that he starred in that film.

Reflecting on these changes highlights how much has transformed over the years at the Auburn Mall, from its foundational role in local retail growth to the cherished memories of its now-vanished cinemas.