TC: Thanks for the photo and I just have to shake my head to think this theatre and many other elaborate Chicago theatres are either GONE or in very sad condition with rotting interiors due to leaking roofs and no heat during the harsh midwestern winters! If Eberson AND his son, Drew were to see all of this, they’d turn over in their graves!!!
beardbear: Your link with photos were great except for the 2000 photo! The marquee comparisons were really something to compare..nothing compares to that ‘sunburst’ design and I don’t think I’ve seen one like it before now! Why would anyone want to change that very unique marquee design!?!
“was billed as the world’s most beautiful theater. It is regarded as one of the finest designs by its architect, John Eberson. The sheer opulence and intricate craftsmanship that went into the theater made it a showpiece in itself.” “Unfortunately, in 1956, owners Balaban and Katz decided to demolish the theater and sell the land to a supermarket chain. The theater that was also built to stand forever almost lived up to that claim; what was to have been a six month demolition took two years!” I say, shame on you, Chicago!
The exterior photo is really quite beautiful and the Middle Eastern style reminds me of the Fox in Atlanta. After reading the posts here someone in the Chicago area should contact Stephanie Grant who posted LAST October and review her idea!
On my day trip to Lockport NY to see the Palace I drove by this drive-in and saw the 4 screens! I also noticed at the entrance the famous sad and happy theatrical faces. Worth seeing!
Patsy
commented about
Cineon
Jun 5, 2005 at 11:51 pm
What is at 1170 Central Avenue now? Probably a parking lot!
Well, I visited Gowanda’s Hollywood Theatre today. The theatre is under renovation so will someday be beautiful once again and the town was full of beautiful Harleys. The theatre was the dream of a Mr. Wilhelm and his original home is on the corner of Main and Chapel.
Lauren: Well, at least it escaped demolition though sometimes they are not when a church chooses to build a new addition on that same piece of land as was done in a PA town near my hometown in NYS!
Bryan: This is sad sad news because “The DuPage is one of the rare atmospheric theaters first concieved by famed architect John Eberson.” Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever!
I, for one, am really getting tired of reading these public CT exchanges and wish they would stop! I don’t know JLoster, but I have communicated with Paul Warshauer though I don’t personally know him. I’m sure there are some truths and some falsehoods in all of these many exchanges. but this is ridiculous and not very professional, imo.
John R: As the community should be……“a justifiable pride in this restored treasure”! Friends of mine are very proud of their hometown theatre and go often!
ohenry: Funny story and it sounds like your mom was a concerned and loving mother. Now if we could only generate concern and love for Charlotte’s Carolina Theatre! If you wish to learn more about this theatre, please contact Charlie Clayton at the following email address: .com and/or log onto the following site for a complete history of the Carolina Theatre: View link
TC: Thanks for the photo and I just have to shake my head to think this theatre and many other elaborate Chicago theatres are either GONE or in very sad condition with rotting interiors due to leaking roofs and no heat during the harsh midwestern winters! If Eberson AND his son, Drew were to see all of this, they’d turn over in their graves!!!
beardbear: Your link with photos were great except for the 2000 photo! The marquee comparisons were really something to compare..nothing compares to that ‘sunburst’ design and I don’t think I’ve seen one like it before now! Why would anyone want to change that very unique marquee design!?!
“was billed as the world’s most beautiful theater. It is regarded as one of the finest designs by its architect, John Eberson. The sheer opulence and intricate craftsmanship that went into the theater made it a showpiece in itself.” “Unfortunately, in 1956, owners Balaban and Katz decided to demolish the theater and sell the land to a supermarket chain. The theater that was also built to stand forever almost lived up to that claim; what was to have been a six month demolition took two years!” I say, shame on you, Chicago!
Not only is this theatre Moorish in style like the Fox in Atlanta, it is an Eberson atmospheric movie palace!!
The exterior photo is really quite beautiful and the Middle Eastern style reminds me of the Fox in Atlanta. After reading the posts here someone in the Chicago area should contact Stephanie Grant who posted LAST October and review her idea!
Bryan: Your 1927 interior link to the former Avalon weren’t available to view.
Just today I was told about this must-see theatre in Syracuse so may have to check it out!
On my day trip to Lockport NY to see the Palace I drove by this drive-in and saw the 4 screens! I also noticed at the entrance the famous sad and happy theatrical faces. Worth seeing!
What is at 1170 Central Avenue now? Probably a parking lot!
This theatre is listed as closed so can anyone tell me if it is still standing?
Well, I visited Gowanda’s Hollywood Theatre today. The theatre is under renovation so will someday be beautiful once again and the town was full of beautiful Harleys. The theatre was the dream of a Mr. Wilhelm and his original home is on the corner of Main and Chapel.
The guestbook has a message that talks about the original organ being in Dunedin FL now.
This theatre has a wonderful and complete website. Stop by,sign their guestbook and read what others have written.
Lauren: Well, at least it escaped demolition though sometimes they are not when a church chooses to build a new addition on that same piece of land as was done in a PA town near my hometown in NYS!
Caro: Cute story yet sad that the drape doesn’t still hang in its intented spot in history.
Tick: Hope you find interior pix. What was the Grand Drape?
Bryan: This is sad sad news because “The DuPage is one of the rare atmospheric theaters first concieved by famed architect John Eberson.” Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever!
I just viewed the photos and they look like 2 entirely different theatres when you compare early photos to present photos….marquee, etc.
I guess it is as I just read Matt’s post talking about Jukebox Journey…haven’t seen that production yet, but heard that it’s a MUST-SEE!
Is this the same theatre where the long running Jukebox Journey is being performed as I don’t recall it looking like the print that is for sale?
Charles: Great photo! Thanks!
I, for one, am really getting tired of reading these public CT exchanges and wish they would stop! I don’t know JLoster, but I have communicated with Paul Warshauer though I don’t personally know him. I’m sure there are some truths and some falsehoods in all of these many exchanges. but this is ridiculous and not very professional, imo.
John R: As the community should be……“a justifiable pride in this restored treasure”! Friends of mine are very proud of their hometown theatre and go often!
ohenry: Funny story and it sounds like your mom was a concerned and loving mother. Now if we could only generate concern and love for Charlotte’s Carolina Theatre! If you wish to learn more about this theatre, please contact Charlie Clayton at the following email address: .com and/or log onto the following site for a complete history of the Carolina Theatre: View link
Now that I’m revisiting this theatre link I have since read that this DEMOLISHED theatre was the FIRST EBERSON ATMOSPHERIC!