Architect: J.E.O. Pridmore of Chicago
General Contractor: Val Jobst & Sons of Peoria
Original Manager: Charles F. Manzing of Chicago
Original Musical Director: Harry Rogers of Chicago
This theater was originally an “Asher’s Bros.” chain. Harry and Max culled a lot of Chicago talent from their other venues to play the Palace.
Madison Theater architect Klein was based in Peoria and his main offices were just a couple blocks down from this theater on Main St.
The original general contractor for this building was a local firm – Fred Harbers and Sons.
The first general manager of this theater was Herbert D. McNally, formerly of the old Empress theater which was a couple blocks down from the Palace Theater.
This is the perfect venue for true cinephiles. Does anyone know if they ever installed a cellphone jammer system? They have a concession area (with liquor) but snacking in this type of theater seems kind of wrong.
I believe this venue opened around 1950. Around 1990, a fire destroyed most of the concession building. The rest of the property bulldozed a few years later.
This is a great little drive-in that is taken care of quite well. The concession stand is probably one of the best I’ve ever been to. If memory serves they also employ a modern FM broadcast system.
I’m sorry but the 3 Penny was a dump. Lack of parking also played a major part in this venue’s inability to do a decent business. There are several smaller theaters in the area (like the Davis) that seem to be able to meet their tax obligations just fine.
This drive-in opened on August 29, 1948 … it’s opening night feature was “Pirates of Monterey” starring Maria Montez and Rod Cameron. It’s original capacity was 750 vehicles but by the time it was purchased by Chicago exhibitor Stan Kohlberg in 1960 it had expanded to it’s final 1400 vehicle capacity.
While this theater still hosts an occasional event, it’s a shadow of it’s former self. The original Main St. entrance as well as 2/3 of the entrance hall/concession area have been sectioned off as a seperate business (bar). My understanding is that it is still equipt to show films but mainly hosts live music. The main floor seating area has had all of it’s original theater seats removed.
After this theater closed, there was some small effort to turn it into a comedy museum highlighting such Peoria-area artists like Fibber Magee & Molly, Richard Pryor and Sam Kinison. It never got past the planning stage.
The current incarnation is indeed a small venue utilizing the old balcony space. No original exterior facade features exist and the interior space is a totally contemporary design.
In the Varsity’s last years, the balcony was closed of to create a very small second screening area. I believe this theater went out of business in late ‘87.
Here’s a link to a vintage shot of the Warner:
View link
I took a photo of the building in it’s current state and will post it here soon.
Architect: J.E.O. Pridmore of Chicago
General Contractor: Val Jobst & Sons of Peoria
Original Manager: Charles F. Manzing of Chicago
Original Musical Director: Harry Rogers of Chicago
This theater was originally an “Asher’s Bros.” chain. Harry and Max culled a lot of Chicago talent from their other venues to play the Palace.
And some additional historic info:
Madison Theater architect Klein was based in Peoria and his main offices were just a couple blocks down from this theater on Main St.
The original general contractor for this building was a local firm – Fred Harbers and Sons.
The first general manager of this theater was Herbert D. McNally, formerly of the old Empress theater which was a couple blocks down from the Palace Theater.
Here’s a photo circa 1925
I think the Holiday was partially destroyed due to a tornado in the mid-80’s. Not sure when it was completely razed though.
Modern mega-plex … ‘nuff said.
This is the perfect venue for true cinephiles. Does anyone know if they ever installed a cellphone jammer system? They have a concession area (with liquor) but snacking in this type of theater seems kind of wrong.
I believe this venue opened around 1950. Around 1990, a fire destroyed most of the concession building. The rest of the property bulldozed a few years later.
This is a great little drive-in that is taken care of quite well. The concession stand is probably one of the best I’ve ever been to. If memory serves they also employ a modern FM broadcast system.
I’m sorry but the 3 Penny was a dump. Lack of parking also played a major part in this venue’s inability to do a decent business. There are several smaller theaters in the area (like the Davis) that seem to be able to meet their tax obligations just fine.
I remember this theater being closer to the old Szolds department store. The likelyhood of this being renovated seems slim as the ‘hood is very rough.
FYI: I’m a Peoria native currently living in Chicago, next time I’m down there I’ll check it out and report back.
This drive-in opened on August 29, 1948 … it’s opening night feature was “Pirates of Monterey” starring Maria Montez and Rod Cameron. It’s original capacity was 750 vehicles but by the time it was purchased by Chicago exhibitor Stan Kohlberg in 1960 it had expanded to it’s final 1400 vehicle capacity.
I believe the actual structure is still standing.
While this theater still hosts an occasional event, it’s a shadow of it’s former self. The original Main St. entrance as well as 2/3 of the entrance hall/concession area have been sectioned off as a seperate business (bar). My understanding is that it is still equipt to show films but mainly hosts live music. The main floor seating area has had all of it’s original theater seats removed.
After this theater closed, there was some small effort to turn it into a comedy museum highlighting such Peoria-area artists like Fibber Magee & Molly, Richard Pryor and Sam Kinison. It never got past the planning stage.
The current incarnation is indeed a small venue utilizing the old balcony space. No original exterior facade features exist and the interior space is a totally contemporary design.
In the Varsity’s last years, the balcony was closed of to create a very small second screening area. I believe this theater went out of business in late ‘87.
This place is a dump with no redeeming qualities whatsoever.