Comments about Normal Theater in Normal, IL

DavidZornig on July 30, 2020 at 10:35 pm

Closed May 16, 1991. Town of Normal purchased the building in November 1991. Via Tom Cherry.

DavidZornig on October 14, 2019 at 7:51 pm

1937 grand opening photo added courtesy Kenneth R. Davis.

DavidZornig on April 5, 2016 at 11:21 pm

1948 photo added courtesy of Kenneth R. Davis‎.

rivest266 on July 11, 2015 at 2:44 pm

Had two screens, which opened on May 3rd, 1985 and closed in 1991. Reopened on October 7th, 1994 with one screen.

rivest266 on July 10, 2015 at 8:01 pm

November 18th, 1937 grand opening ad in photo section.

TommyK on August 30, 2013 at 11:38 pm

I took my wife on our first date over 30 years ago to The Normal. Coal Miner’s Daughter was the name of the movie. Afterwards, we stopped at Sandy’s Drive-In. on N. Main. That and I still had money left after puting gas in my car. I started out the night with 20 bucks!. If memory serves me, and sometimes it don’t, the movie was a dollar. The Normal’s greatest asset is location, location, location. Barely two blocks walk from ISU dorms.

Trolleyguy on October 23, 2011 at 9:00 am

A shot of this theater with the marquee and blade sign lit appears in a new Mitsubishi Automobile commercial.

kpdennis on January 20, 2011 at 2:12 pm

How things continue to change…while the theater looks the same in those recent shots vs mine from 1995, the neighborhood around it has grown. In the 1995 shot, you can see a small older building next to the theater; the more recent shots, that structure is gone and something much bigger has replaced it.
1995: View link

kpdennis on April 15, 2010 at 2:18 pm

Chuck, doesn’t look like the Normal, but the Castle in the posted link…

TLSLOEWS on March 1, 2010 at 8:38 pm

What a great name.What is normal.

kpdennis on April 25, 2009 at 5:24 pm

Wow, that night shot with Planet Of The Apes is spectacular! Much more functional is this view from 1995:
View link

Patsy on February 12, 2009 at 2:35 pm

Very nice photo. I have friends who live in Normal so I’m sure they can attest to this theatre’s presence in that city.

Patsy on September 12, 2008 at 3:14 pm

Impressive night photo!

Patsy on May 4, 2008 at 10:45 pm

Great minds run together! LOL!

Patsy on May 4, 2008 at 10:36 pm

BTW, there is an old downtown theatre in St. Charles, Illinois. Can’t recall the name, but it is a CT listed theatre.

Patsy on May 4, 2008 at 10:35 pm

I don’t plan to be in Normal again as the reason I was there with my husband doesn’t apply anymore. The reason moved to St. Charles.

Patsy on May 4, 2008 at 8:28 pm

Lost: Great night marquee photo! I’ve been to Normal in years pas, but was not into old theatres then so have no memory of it.

Patsy on January 18, 2008 at 8:38 pm

Yes, very good news that this theatre is very much alive and well! Wish they all could say this!

kencmcintyre on January 18, 2008 at 8:35 pm

I’m glad you enjoyed the photo. Good news that the theater is alive and well.

Patsy on January 18, 2008 at 8:30 pm

I know folks from this town and will forward to them this vintage photo. After comparing photos this theatre does not appear to have been changed that much!

Patsy on January 18, 2008 at 8:29 pm

ken mc: Sure love viewing these vintage photos and especially this one showing the lighted marquee with feature film! Thanks.

kencmcintyre on January 18, 2008 at 8:06 pm

Here is a photo taken at the theater’s opening in 1937:
http://tinyurl.com/2o9ct7

Patsy on July 8, 2007 at 1:34 pm

Too bad the folks in the above photo aren’t aware that they all made it to Cinema Treasures and the internet!

Patsy on June 15, 2007 at 11:19 pm

I just learned of this restored theatre through friends who live in Normal Illinois. It’s a gem and I hope to see it, in person, some day!

kencmcintyre on March 25, 2006 at 9:40 pm

Here is a link with additional information:
http://tinyurl.com/kdp28

Normal Theater

209 W. North Street, Normal, IL 61761

209 W. North Street,
Normal, IL 61761