The theatre burned down prior to demolition.
Per the Westwego Historical Society the organ used in the theater is on display in the Westwego Historical Museum.
1998 Reader article that mentions Ronny’s Steak House also had a club inside called AM Funk Factory and a dance hall in the basement.
Found this after posting a photo to the Photos Section of Ronny’s Too that utilized the State Street side entrance of the former Randolph Theatre.
And used the same kitchen as Ronny’s on Randolph as I recall.
Photo taken 5/9/75-5/15/75, “Three Tough Guys” on the marquee.
Starring Issac Hayes, Fred Williamson, Lino Ventura & Paula Kelly.
Shot in Chicago and originally released 3/15/74 in New York.
1931 photo as the Alvin added courtesy The Odd, Mysterious & Fascinating History of Pittsburgh Facebook page.
Unique 40th Anniversary marquee added above the existing one.
I calculated the year based on the 1891 opening.
Several property records indicate the current building as being built in 1910.
The Mason “G” is visible in the stonework above the second floor in the street view.
The Apollo on Emma re-opened it’s doors mid-August 2017. The historic, once movie theater, has been transformed into NW Arkansas most epic and glamorous Wedding & Event Venue. The venue has marble flooring, 20’ ceilings, crystal chandeliers, built in bars, double wooden staircases, which lead up to the Metropolis Room overlooking the main ballroom. With over 5000 sq. feet of space and the capacity of 664 inside & 200 outside, it is both versatile & elegant. Located in the heart of Northwest Arkansas, The Apollo on Emma is the place where your dreams come true.
Officially Closed.
Via the Cascade Drive-In Facebook page.
We are sorry to announce to all of you that sadly the Cascade Drive-In theater will not open for 2019 season and beyond. The owner of the land has decided that he will not permit the theater to open and we are unable to continue to provide a rare entertainment to the community of West Chicago and beyond. The land is not sold and is not under contract nor has any new plan been submitted to the City of West Chicago. The property will simply be vacant and no further operations will be permitted to continue. I can only surmise that the landowner believes he has a better chance to get any future development approval from the city of West Chicago and surrounding community if the business is closed. They have been informed after each of their previous concepts presented for approval from the City that property will be zoned for residential not industrial. All proposals presented were determined by the City, besides not being residential also included heavy semi-truck traffic and were rejected. The rejection had absolutely nothing to do with the Cascade. I was informed even if the Amazon distribution center were to attempt to develop on this location they would turn it down. Again, nothing to do with the Cascade. For last year we have attempted via phone, email and letter to the landowner and his representatives to find out our status and have received no response. A short response was given to our attorney several months ago stating they were waiting for the City to advise them of what they would approve for the property development. We have operated the Cascade Drive-In for 30 years and paid close to $6,000,000 in rent to the landowner. I have operated Drive-Ins since the 1950’s with my late father. Its devastating to us but we always knew the sale would be imminent one day but this scenario of closing with no other use for the property was totally unexpected. A conversation and a decent transition would have been the least we could expect from the landowner. Not often that you see a thriving business to close but its out of our hands. Just want to thank every family that has come to the Cascade and enjoyed the experience of viewing two first run movies on giant outdoor screen. We want to let everyone know that Saturday 3/23 after 4:00 PM at the Cascade Drive-In we will have Cascade hoodies for sale so come on out and get a piece of nostalgia. Inform anyone that we have equipment such as popcorn poppers, warmers, hot chocolate machine, freezers, grills, and even a golf cart for sale if you know of anyone interested.
Thank you so much. Our hearts are broken!
It appears the Shangri-La was still open in mid `79.
Just added a photo that shows the State Street Mall nearing completion, and the Shangri-La still seems possibly active.
Post fire 5/19/1978 photo added credit Karl H. Lemke.
1969 University Of Illinois yearbook photo.
1969 University Of Illinois yearbook photo.
The theatre burned down prior to demolition. Per the Westwego Historical Society the organ used in the theater is on display in the Westwego Historical Museum.
June 1921 image added credit The American Architect, courtesy the Old School Boston Facebook page.
1998 Reader article that mentions Ronny’s Steak House also had a club inside called AM Funk Factory and a dance hall in the basement. Found this after posting a photo to the Photos Section of Ronny’s Too that utilized the State Street side entrance of the former Randolph Theatre. And used the same kitchen as Ronny’s on Randolph as I recall.
https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/odd-man-out/Content?oid=897881&fbclid=IwAR1HCKDUrvEUX3j-hZAtLELftBH0izpSw44CWhmzvdGskE7Rc2NREWcFue0
Image added confirms Kent Theaters of Tallahassee.
Victoria vertical sign on the far right.
Photo taken 5/9/75-5/15/75, “Three Tough Guys” on the marquee. Starring Issac Hayes, Fred Williamson, Lino Ventura & Paula Kelly. Shot in Chicago and originally released 3/15/74 in New York.
Auditorium photo added courtesy Bob Stewart.
Located in the Shaver Block in Brooklyn Square.
Demolished in 1973.
June 18, 1915 photo added with quite the story behind it.
1928 photo credit Minnesota Historical Society.
1938 photo credit Minnesota Historical Society.
1944 photo courtesy Old School Boston Facebook page.
1931 photo as the Alvin added courtesy The Odd, Mysterious & Fascinating History of Pittsburgh Facebook page. Unique 40th Anniversary marquee added above the existing one. I calculated the year based on the 1891 opening.
Tom Moyer on right, Nino Teresi center. Oregon Historical Society photo.
Photo courtesy Darla Swint.
Update: John Chuckman Collection Photo.
Photo taken 2/05/69-2/24/69, the run of “Riot: starring Jim Brown at the Oriental Theatre.
Several property records indicate the current building as being built in 1910. The Mason “G” is visible in the stonework above the second floor in the street view.
Via the Apollo’s Facebook page:
The Apollo on Emma re-opened it’s doors mid-August 2017. The historic, once movie theater, has been transformed into NW Arkansas most epic and glamorous Wedding & Event Venue. The venue has marble flooring, 20’ ceilings, crystal chandeliers, built in bars, double wooden staircases, which lead up to the Metropolis Room overlooking the main ballroom. With over 5000 sq. feet of space and the capacity of 664 inside & 200 outside, it is both versatile & elegant. Located in the heart of Northwest Arkansas, The Apollo on Emma is the place where your dreams come true.
100th anniversary piece for tomorrow.
https://abc7chicago.com/society/state-lake-theater-home-of-abc-7-celebrates-100-years/5195875/?fbclid=IwAR35rodItdxdIxdcGpj7JssI-Il_QTpBMYKMoLKLe9RPaLNm8eW6PJ6dYg0
Officially Closed. Via the Cascade Drive-In Facebook page.
We are sorry to announce to all of you that sadly the Cascade Drive-In theater will not open for 2019 season and beyond. The owner of the land has decided that he will not permit the theater to open and we are unable to continue to provide a rare entertainment to the community of West Chicago and beyond. The land is not sold and is not under contract nor has any new plan been submitted to the City of West Chicago. The property will simply be vacant and no further operations will be permitted to continue. I can only surmise that the landowner believes he has a better chance to get any future development approval from the city of West Chicago and surrounding community if the business is closed. They have been informed after each of their previous concepts presented for approval from the City that property will be zoned for residential not industrial. All proposals presented were determined by the City, besides not being residential also included heavy semi-truck traffic and were rejected. The rejection had absolutely nothing to do with the Cascade. I was informed even if the Amazon distribution center were to attempt to develop on this location they would turn it down. Again, nothing to do with the Cascade. For last year we have attempted via phone, email and letter to the landowner and his representatives to find out our status and have received no response. A short response was given to our attorney several months ago stating they were waiting for the City to advise them of what they would approve for the property development. We have operated the Cascade Drive-In for 30 years and paid close to $6,000,000 in rent to the landowner. I have operated Drive-Ins since the 1950’s with my late father. Its devastating to us but we always knew the sale would be imminent one day but this scenario of closing with no other use for the property was totally unexpected. A conversation and a decent transition would have been the least we could expect from the landowner. Not often that you see a thriving business to close but its out of our hands. Just want to thank every family that has come to the Cascade and enjoyed the experience of viewing two first run movies on giant outdoor screen. We want to let everyone know that Saturday 3/23 after 4:00 PM at the Cascade Drive-In we will have Cascade hoodies for sale so come on out and get a piece of nostalgia. Inform anyone that we have equipment such as popcorn poppers, warmers, hot chocolate machine, freezers, grills, and even a golf cart for sale if you know of anyone interested. Thank you so much. Our hearts are broken!
It appears the Shangri-La was still open in mid `79. Just added a photo that shows the State Street Mall nearing completion, and the Shangri-La still seems possibly active.
Booze is coming.
https://www.nwitimes.com/business/lake-newsletter/amc-schererville-and-movie-theaters-looking-to-add-beer-wine/article_4808ccd3-a41c-51b5-b591-ed6ebefe1569.html?fbclid=IwAR1ARc7kky1bI-fwXRJ4WspoZ5hXB5qAQF_hMpwC1WF6wPEWflgNhBDXt04