‘Ol Queen Theatre; If the walls could talk

FERRIS – The Ol’ Queen Theatre Vendor Mall-Indoor Flea Market on Church Street in Ferris used to be, as the name suggests, an actual theatre.

It is believed to have opened around 1900 and called what one report said, The Queen Theare offering Vaudeville among other entertainment of the day.

That was then.

This is now and opening in the space on Sept. 17, 2022, the old Ferris theatre became a very packed two-story vendor mall/indoor flea market.

But that is just half the story, because ‘Ol Queen Theatre is anything but just another vendor mall. 

The place is packed with an array of items available to purchase including practical and gently used furniture pieces, such as clothing, new boutique items, jewelry, books, pieces of recognized artwork, records, CD’s, DVD’s, audio equipment, tools, workout equipment, collectibles, floral items, crafts, everyday household items, dishes, toys, interior and exterior decorating items and just about anything else you might think you need or want. 

You can even purchase gift certificates to redeem at The Ol’ Queen Theatre Vendor Mall-Indoor Flea Market.  

Overall, there are 80-plus vendors selling their new and gently used merchandise there.

Co-owner and Texas native Linda Batey who operates the space with her husband Dale who is a transplanted Texan for the past 48 years from California said since the opening a little over a year ago the space has seen 100% growth “And still growing,” she added.

The two fell in love with the town of Ferris and its history and knew they had to open the mall there.

“The town is a perfect setting for a business like ours,” Batey said. 

“The Queen Theatre building holds a lot of character and nostalgia of its own. Once a vaudeville theatre back in the early 1900’s to a movie picture theatre in the early 1920’s.”

Prior to the Ferris mall they were not strangers to Ellis County and owned, managed, and facilitated DL Treasures Indoor Flea Market in Red Oak.

They were there five years.

At the ‘Ol Queen Batey said the most unusual piece they have is the replicas of “Big Foot” for sale. 

“We claim “Big Foot” as our official mascot,” she said. 

“We don’t know why, but just to say, he is a mystery to us all. He is everywhere, inside, and outside of our building. 

“We just never know where he is going to appear next. That’s the fun of the hunt, so to speak. 

“Kinda like The Ol’ Queen Theatre Vendor Mall – Indoor Flea Market. It’s the fun of the hunt for treasures. You never know when or where they will show up next.”

Prior to the world they live in now, selling used merchandise and offering it a new life, Batey was a schoolteacher for 15 years.

After fulfilling that dream, she launched a small business of her own. 

She began buying and selling various pieces of merchandise online. 

Dale was a truck driver for more than 30 years. 

Before he even retired from his job they opened DL Treasures Indoor Flea Market in Red Oak.

“Dale and I love what we do,” Batey said. 

“We always get a feeling of excitement when we drive from our home in Lancaster and head towards

“Ferris to open the big doors of The Ol’ Queen Theatre Vendor Mall-Indoor Flea Market. 

“The character, history, and nostalgia of The Ol’ Queen Theatre has such charm and wonder, we marvel at what the walls would say if they could talk. 

“The people who pass through our front doors, every day, love the feel they get when they step back in time.”
Batey said she and her husband welcome anyone to be a part of this important piece of Ferris history and shop at their own pace to find their next hidden treasure.

And Christmas is coming.

The Ol’ Queen Theatre Vendor Mall is located at 108 S. Church St. in Ferris. Phone number is (972) 352-0572.