Comments from LouisRugani

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LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Meyer Theatre on Jan 18, 2011 at 2:33 pm

Meyer Theatre to receive new marquee

Design will include features of Fox’s facade of 1930s

By Scott Williams
Green Bay Press-Gazette
January 17, 2011

Five years after a windstorm destroyed the Meyer Theatre marquee, the historic Green Bay venue will get a facelift.

Theater officials plan to spend more than $100,000 for a new marquee that will harken back to the downtown attraction’s original facade of the 1930s.

In contrast to the current rounded sign, the new marquee will be squared, three-sided and lighted – reminiscent of old-time movie houses.

Although the exterior sign is only one element of the 1,000-seat theater at 117 S. Washington St., officials say it is vital to the venue’s visibility and personality.

“It’s the front door,” said Rob Riordan, president of the theater’s board of directors.

The old marquee was destroyed in a March 2006 windstorm that left letters blowing down the street and panels in pieces on the sidewalk.

The current exterior sign became a low-cost replacement, but officials later decided it was not a good long-term solution.

Officials are moving ahead with a replacement after receiving financial support from benefactor Betty Meyer’s foundation and from Reinhold Sign Service Inc. of Ashwaubenon.

Riordan said the project could cost $120,000.

Rob Ott, spokesman for Reinhold Sign, said his company is excited to support the project and provide the labor.

Calling the Meyer a “cornerstone” of downtown Green Bay, Ott said the new marquee will be a highly visible addition to the central business district.

“There really isn’t anything like this around the city,” he said. “This is a unique project, just as the Meyer is a unique place.”

The venue opened as the Fox Theatre in 1930. After a run as the Bay Theatre, including a stint as a movie house, it underwent an $8 million restoration and returned to live stage productions in 2002.

The new marquee has been designed to look like the Fox Theatre’s original facade. Standing about 7 feet tall and 36 feet long, it will be equipped with lighted digital screens that will promote not only the theater’s productions but other downtown events.

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring and take three months.

Riordan said he hopes to have the new marquee in place before the theater kicks off its summer season. Giving a nod to the old Fox Theatre is important to the project, he said.

“This is our showpiece to everybody,” he said. “We want to make sure we’re true to the heritage of the theater.”

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Cameo Theatre on Jan 8, 2011 at 7:01 pm

Mike, thank you for that great and most-welcome essay on Kenosha’s long-forgotten CHIEF Theatre. I’ve posted a current photo of the CHIEF (nee BURKE/CAMEO) in the Wisconsin Theatres discussion group www.onelist.com/group/WisconsinTheatres .

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Venetian Theatre on Jan 8, 2011 at 12:35 am

(Racine Journal Times editorial, January 7, 1956)
TWO YOUTHS who severely injured a theater manager in an unprovoked assault after creating a disturbance New Year’s Eve have already
learned that such “sport” is expensive.
Richard Rothering, 20, of 2016 Washington Avenue, was fined $50 for disorderly conduct and $25 for assault and battery, plus costs, in
Municipal Court Tuesday. His companion, Donald Rasch, 20, of 1404 Eleventh Street, was fined $25 and costs for disorderly conduct. But now there’s a possibility that the price of Rothering’s “fun” may go considerably higher. A civil suit for $7,500 damages has been filed in Circuit Court by Stan Gere, manager of the Venetian, for medical expense, doctor bills, pain and suffering due to injuries to the head, mouth, teeth, hands and body.
The two youths admitted the assault when they appeared in Municipal Court. They had been ejected from the theater once that night for causing a disturbance. They came back. When a policeman went after them again, they fled to the balcony. And it was while running from the policeman that they attacked Gere. Rasch bumped into him and swung him around. Then Rothering came along and smashed him in the jaw. As pointed out here the other day, this was a particularly vicious and unnecessary attack because Gere is a quiet, reasonable sort of a guy who would go out of his way to avoid trouble with anyone. But maybe this case will help to clear up the “hoodlumism” that has been causing a lot of difficulty in theaters here. Though the incident related here occurred on New Year’s Eve, many somewhat similar episodes have taken place frequently. A small gang of young wise guys go to theaters. Sometimes some of them are partly drunk. At other times, all are sober. But always, they spoil the evening for people trying to enjoy the movie, by loud talking, sometimes
off-color language, putting their feet on seats in front of them, etc. And when theater attendants warn them, the smart alecks become defiant.
On occasion, they sneer at police trying to help keep order, and “dare” officers to do something about it.
It should be emphasized that such trouble-makers are an extremely small minority. Most young fellas and girls who attend theaters are decent and orderly. But, the few have been spoiling it for the many, and it’s time that they suffered a real “crack-down.” Maybe the current case will be helpful in that direction.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Hologram USA Hollywood Theater on Dec 26, 2010 at 12:33 pm

Exterior views of the NEW VIEW (and those of the nearby VOGUE) are seen in several scenes in the 1970 Paul Mazursky film ‘Alex in Wonderland’. A horror double-bill was playing at the time.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Vogue Theatre on Dec 26, 2010 at 12:21 pm

The VOGUE is seen in passing during exterior scenes within the 1970 Paul Mazursky film “Alex in Wonderland”.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Los Angeles Theatre on Dec 26, 2010 at 11:25 am

The LOS ANGELES' lobby, the lobby ceiling, chandeliers and candy counter are seen early on in the 1970 Paul Mazursky film ‘Alex in Wonderland’ as part of the storyline. (Later on, there are exterior scenes of the VOGUE and NEW VIEW as well.)

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Star Cinema on Nov 22, 2010 at 3:49 pm

A STAR IS REBORN: Cinema reopens to rave reviews

By Ken Leiviska, Reedsburg Times-Press Saturday, November 20, 2010

“A great day in Reedsburg.”

Those were the words Don Lichte, chairman of the Reedsburg Industrial and Commercial Development Commission, used Friday to describe the reopening of the downtown Star Theater.

“It’s a day of celebration and we’re only beginning,” he added.

Thanks to a flood recovery grant in the amount of almost $900,000, two local business owners were able to reopen the cinema, which has been closed since the flood of June 2008.

“It’s showtime in Reedsburg once again,” co-owner Randy Fusch said.

Fusch and business partner Chad Ellet also co-own the KFC restaurant on the east side of Reedsburg. They thanked the businesses and individuals who helped them fix up the theater on time for their targeted premiere date of Nov. 19.

As excited as Fusch and Ellet were about the opening, people in the community who attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday afternoon might have been even more thrilled.

“We’re so excited to see this thing open up again because my uncles haven’t been able to get to the (cinema in Wisconsin) Dells,” John Mueller said. “It’s great that it’s open so we can see a show here.”

Mueller pointed out that driving to Wisconsin Dells takes him about 45 minutes round-trip, making a two-hour movie a much longer “adventure.” He plans to visit the theater in Reedsburg frequently.

After seeing the damage the flood did to the theater more than two years ago, Shawn Klingbeil and her husband, Kurt, were glad someone finally fixed it up and got it open.

“We came in a couple of days after the flood and after seeing that, we’re just happy it’s open again,” Shawn said.

Kurt said their oldest son worked at the theater when it flooded. Fusch said they plan to hire about 25 to 30 employees for the theater, especially as they near the holiday season.

Fusch said the theater will be open every day, with shows generally scheduled to begin at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3:30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and noon, 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Moviegoers can call 768-SHOW for listings.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WisconsinTheatres/

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Regency Value Cinemas on Nov 16, 2010 at 2:58 pm

(May 9, 2009)

Racine’s last movie theater to be demolished

The glory days of the Venetian Theatre are long gone in Racine …

Racine’s last movie theater will have one final show within the next month.

The Racine Fire Department, pending approval of the City Council, will use the shuttered Regency Theater, 5230 Durand Ave., for practice drills before the building is demolished, according to Chief Steve Hansen. (The Public Safety and Licensing Committee approved the training Monday night.)

Firefighters will use the old theater, which shutdown last month, to practice forcible entry drills, to cut holes in the building’s roof and to bust through walls to simulate rescuing a trapped victim, Hansen said.

The theater will not be set on fire during the training, he said.

“It’s rare that the (abandoned buildings) come available,” Hansen said. “We try to take advantage of them as quickly as possible.”

Marcus Theatres closed the Regency theater, which had been serving as a budget theater since 2006, at the end of April. The company had announced plans to close the theater in January.

The move shut the door on movie theaters in Racine. Marcus closed the Westgate movie theater in 2006 after opening the 12-screen Renaissance theater on Washington Avenue in Sturtevant. Racine no longer has a theater that shows movies.

Prior to Regency closing, Racine had an active movie theater until at least 1928, when the Venetian Theatre opened Downtown. No date has been set for the Regency theater’s demolition, Hansen said.

Hansen will appear before the Common Council’s Public Safety and Licensing Committee tonight to gain permission for the training. If all goes as expected, the Common Council will give final approval next week and the training, which will involve every member of the department at different times, will occur within four weeks, Hansen said.

There’s no cost for the training, he said.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Roosevelt Theater on Nov 12, 2010 at 9:56 pm

Elmer George Hayek, 84, of Springfield, formerly of Kenosha, WI, passed away at 5:00 p.m., November 5, 2001 at his residence. He was born June 23, 1917 in Detroit, MI the son of George and Mary Exton Hayek. He married Alice Louise Reis in Lake Geneva, WI on August 30, 1938 and she preceded him in death in 1995. He moved to Kenosha at age 16 to work for his uncle, William “Bill” Exton at the Roosevelt Theater. Later in life, he was a motion picture operator at the Kenosha, Orpheum, Roosevelt, Gateway, and Keno theaters. He then worked as a linotype operator and foreman of the composing room at Lloyd Hollister Printing and Pioneer Press in Wilmette, IL. Mr. Hayek lived in Kenosha, WI from 1950 until 1999 when he moved to Springfield, IL. Mr. Hayek was a member of Bristol Oaks Country Club, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was a volunteer for the Kenosha Memorial Hospital. He had also served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He enjoyed playing golf and was devoted to his family. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and a brother: Albert. He is survived by a daughter: Susan (husband, Michael) Shaw of Springfield; a sister: Evelyn Willard of Mena, AR; a grandson: Scot Shaw of Cambridge, MA; and a nephew: George Hayek of El Dorado Hills, CA. Remains were cremated and Private Memorial Services will be observed at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 Clearlake Ave., Springfield, IL 62703. The family of Elmer George Hayek is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Pantages Theatre on Nov 9, 2010 at 2:41 am

Thank you for the clarification, William; I also posted it at the WARRENS Theatre page, and it probably shouldn’t be here even though there is a familial tie. Perhaps the moderator should delete it. And thanks again.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Warrens Theatre on Nov 7, 2010 at 12:00 pm

(Associated Press, August 10, 1929)
Alexander Pantages Involved with 16 Year-Old Dancer at Los Angeles.
Los Angeles, Cal., Aug. 10.â€"
(AP)â€"Alexander Pantages, millionaire theatre magnate, today was charged with two offenses against a 16-year-old dancer, Eunice Prince, in a complaint issued by District Attorney Buron Fitts. Pantages' attorneys immediately announced they would
institute habeas corpus proceedings.

Los Angeles, Cal., Aug. 10. â€" (AP) â€" Alexander Pantages, millionaire vaudeville theatre operator, was in the city jail today, charged with suspicion of committing a statutory offense against Eunice Pringle, 16-year-old dancer and daughter of a
Los Angeles physician.
Miss Pringle, who graduated from high school last year, the youngest in her class, and entered the University of Southern California, was placed in the custody o£ juvenile authorities after she had told the police that Pantages had attacked her.
Pantages was taken into custody yesterday when the girl ran out of his office screaming, her clothes disarranged.
One witness to the occurrence said Miss Pringle fell fainting out of the theatre magnate’s office. Other witnesses declared the clothing of both Pantages and the girl
was torn and disarranged. Several persons reported hearing the girl’s screams emanating from Pantages' office.

Denies Girl’s Charges.

The theatre magnate denied the girl’s charges and hinted that it was a “frameup.” He told police he had booked Miss Pringle two weeks ago for a dancing act, but that she
had proved a failure. He said she had frequented his office for two days, begging for another chance.
Pantages declared Miss Pringle asked him for an interview yesterday afternoon. After a preliminary conversation he said, she leaned close to him and said, “I’ll make you
take my act.” Pantages asserted the girl then pushed him into another room and ran down the hall.
Fred Weise, who was in the hall, told officers he heard the girl screaming and saw Miss Pringle emerge from Pantages' office with the theatre magnate chasing her. Weise
said the clothing of both Pantages and Miss Pringle was in disarray.

Got $15,000,000 Recently.

Chief of Detectives A. E. Taylor said Pantages told him that Miss Pringle, realizing she was not to be re-employed, forcibly removed his coat and then tried to tear the remainder of his clothing into a state of disarray.
District Attorney Buron Fitts said a formal complaint would be issued today, pending which the wealthy theatre operator was to be held in jail. Pantages recently sold six of his theatres to the Radio-Keith-Orpheum circuit for a reputed price of $12,000,000. This week he sold two others to a Hollywood corporation for $3,000,000. Pantages' wife, Mrs. Lois Pantages, is scheduled to go on trial here Sept. 2, on charges of second degree murder, resulting from the death of Joe Rokumoto, a Japanese, following the collision of their automobiles.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Pantages Theatre on Nov 7, 2010 at 11:51 am

Associated Press, August 10, 1929)
Alexander Pantages Involved with 16 Year-Old Dancer at Los Angeles.

Los Angeles, Cal., Aug. 10. â€" (AP)â€"Alexander Pantages, millionaire theatre magnate, today was charged with two offenses against a 16-year-old dancer, Eunice Prince, in a complaint issued by District Attorney Buron Fitts. Pantages' attorneys immediately announced they would institute habeas corpus proceedings.

Los Angeles, Cal., Aug. 10. â€" (AP) â€" Alexander Pantages, millionaire vaudeville theatre operator, was in the city jail today, charged with suspicion of committing a statutory offense against Eunice Pringle, 16-year-old dancer and daughter of a
Los Angeles physician.
Miss Pringle, who graduated from high school last year, the youngest in her class, and entered the University of Southern California, was placed in the custody o£ juvenile authorities after she had told the police that Pantages had attacked her.
Pantages was taken into custody yesterday when the girl ran out of his office screaming, her clothes disarranged.
One witness to the occurrence said Miss Pringle fell fainting out of the theatre magnate’s office. Other witnesses declared the clothing of both Pantages and the girl
was torn and disarranged. Several persons reported hearing the girl’s screams emanating from Pantages' office.

Denies Girl’s Charges.

The theatre magnate denied the girl’s charges and hinted that it was a “frameup.” He told police he had booked Miss Pringle two weeks ago for a dancing act, but that she
had proved a failure. He said she had frequented his office for two days, begging for another chance.
Pantages declared Miss Pringle asked him for an interview yesterday afternoon. After a preliminary conversation he said, she leaned close to him and said, “I’ll make you
take my act.” Pantages asserted the girl then pushed him into another room and ran down the hall.
Fred Weise, who was in the hall, told officers he heard the girl screaming and saw Miss Pringle emerge from Pantages' office with the theatre magnate chasing her. Weise
said the clothing of both Pantages and Miss Pringle was in disarray.

Got $15,000,000 Recently.

Chief of Detectives A. E. Taylor said Pantages told him that Miss Pringle, realizing she was not to be re-employed, forcibly removed his coat and then tried to tear the remainder of his clothing into a state of disarray.
District Attorney Buron Fitts said a formal complaint would be issued today, pending which the wealthy theatre operator was to be held in jail. Pantages recently sold six of his theatres to the Radio-Keith-Orpheum circuit for a reputed price of $12,000,000. This week he sold two others to a Hollywood corporation for $3,000,000. Pantages' wife, Mrs. Lois Pantages, is scheduled to go on trial here Sept. 2, on charges of second degree murder, resulting from the death of Joe Rokumoto, a Japanese, following the collision of their automobiles.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Rio Theater on Nov 1, 2010 at 11:13 pm

The theatre opened with 2,000 seats (700 of which were in the balcony) as the FOX on November 16, 1929, and was designed in Moorish style by the architects of United Studios of Chicago, the same firm which designed the KENOSHA, the Racine VENETIAN and the SHEBOYGAN. Two of the architects who worked for United were Ralph Beaudry and Fred Jacobs. United’s manager/director was L. P. Larsen.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Goetz Theatre on Oct 27, 2010 at 11:46 pm

(September 22, 1956)
Goetz Theater Opens Week of Celebration Of 25th Anniversary
Hundreds of area citizens turned out last night to see a top-rated motion picture and observe the 25th anniversary of the Goetz theater in Monroe.
Theater-goers last night saw the film “High Society” and were given free tickets to a coming attraction by the management.
The anniversary film will be shown for seven days.
The Goetz theater represents culmination of a dream of Chester Goetz and his brother, Leon. Chester Goetz bought out interests of his brother May 10, 1939, and the partnership then included the late Mrs. Chester Goetz and their two sons, Robert and Nathan.
The theater opened officially Sept. 2, 1931, and the Chalet theater was added for theatergoers in February of 1939. The latest addition, the Sky-Vu drivein theater on Highway 69 south was constructed in 1952.
The Goetz theater originally represented an estimated investment of $125,000 and was of Spanish design. The complete business block owned by the Goetz interests and comprising two store spaces and offices on the floor above was valued at $150,000 in 1931 after its completion.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Crown Theatre on Oct 27, 2010 at 12:29 am

Steve Dorece, 1017 Sixteenth St., passed away August 9, 1947 at St. Luke’s Hospital. Mr. Dorece was born in Poland and had lived in Racine for the past 35 years. He was owner and operator of the Crown Theater on Sixteenth St. and was the oldest theater operator in the city. He was a member of St. Stanislaus Church.
Surviving are his wife Isabelle; one son, Leonard; and one grandson, William.
Funeral services were held from the Hanson Funeral Home and at St. Stanislaus Church, Rev. John J. Bonk officiating. Burial in Graceland Cemetery.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Ralph J. Houghton Performance Center on Oct 15, 2010 at 9:07 pm

(October 15, 1955 – Racine Journal Times)
It was learned recently that a group of citizens in Kenosha have raised a fund to install an organ in the high school auditorium where the Kenosha symphony plays. The organ will be dedicated on Dec. 8 with Victor Thiex, who played here last year, as guest organist.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Cadillac Palace Theatre on Oct 10, 2010 at 5:59 pm

Boy Kisses Girl, Then Kills Her

‘Sealed Lips’ on Screen As Youth Chooses Theater for Shooting

CHICAGO. Feb 25, 1942 â€"APâ€" A 17- year-old former high school student was seized in surburban Berwyn today and confessed, Coroner A. L. Brodie announced, that he kissed pretty Dorothy Broz, his 16-year-old companion, and then shot her to death while they sat in the downtown Palace Theater.
The youth, Clarence McDonald, a railroad employee, was seized on information supplied by the victim’s friend, Miss Elaine Mastney, 17, a senior in the Morton High School.
She told authorities that Dorothy said Clarence was inordinately
jealous, and had said: “If I can’t have you, nobody else will.”

‘IT JUST HAPPENED’

Some 12 hours after the shooting late yesterday in the theater balcony where “Hellzapoppin” and “Sealed Lips” were being shown,
the youth made a statement to the attorney Leslie Curtis. “I don’t know — it just happened,“ he was quoted as saying. "Was there any conversation before you shot her?” the boy was asked. “No,” he replied, “I was kissing her.”

GOING TOGETHER

Young McDonald said he had been going with Dorothy for about two years, that they had talked of marriage, but later decided “to wait four years “until she was a little older.“ He admitted the officials said, that on a former occasion he had drawn a pistol on the girl while they were in an ice cream parlor, but that he was just "fooling."
Prior to making the statement, the youth told the coroner that he and his victim had quarreled about trivial things — baseball, football and school affairs.
The clue was obtained shortly after the identification of Dorothy's
body in the morgue where it had lain among the unknown dead for almost 11 hours after the shooting.
Identification was made by an uncle who said Dorothy, also of Berwyn,
was the daughter of a real estate man and that she had finished high school this month.
Police had obtained only a vague description of the youth who stepped across Dorothy’s bleeding body, sprinted up an aisle and escaped in the dark and confusion of the theater.
Noisy with pistol shots and girlish screams, “Hellzapoppin' had finished and a companion picture, "Sealed Lips.” had started building its mystery plot.
In the nearly empty balcony, Dorothy was sitting with a young man. Suddenly she cried “Help, oh help me! He’s got a gun!” Those nearby heard her but associated her cry with the antics in the picture just ended. A scene in the crime feature, a fight in a prison mess hall, had the sound of amplified roaring as a perfect cover for the shot that followed by a few seconds. “Oh, get that man! I’m shot, I’m shot!” Dorothy screamed, then collapsed in an aisle, a bullet beneath her heart.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Park Place Cinemas on Oct 7, 2010 at 4:39 pm

(Janesville Daily Gazette, October 6, 1951)

JAMES ZANIAS

James Zanias, 72, Janesville businessman since 1908 and coproprietor of Central cafe, was found dead in bed in his room at 203 Center avenue at noon Saturday. Mr. Zanias had worked Thursday and returned to his room at midnight. While he had not complained of being ill, Mr. Zanias had suffered with a heart ailment for several years. He had planned to return to his native Greece in January to visit relatives.
Having learned something of the confectionery business in Chicago Mr. Zanias took his first job in Janesville with the Candy Kitchen, now Homsey’s, when he located here in 1906. Two years later he purchased a part interest in the business, Gus Vlachos being his partner.

Pioneer in Theatre Field

The two men became interested in the new entertainment medium motion pictures and in 1908 they opened the Lyric theatre, a 5 and 10 cent show at 113 W. Milwaukee street. Business was so profitable that Mr. Zanias purchased the Nickelodeon theatre at 210 W. Milwaukee street in 1909. By 1911 Mr. Zanias had bought out his partner’s interest and sold the confectionery store to the Homsey brothers.
Expanding his theatrical enterprises Mr. Zanias became manager of the new Apollo theatre, which in 1913 opened as a vaudeville house which also played stock companies. He operated the Apollo until 1926 when it was sold to Saxe Brothers of Milwaukee. For a short time Mr. Zanias managed the Apollo and Jeffris theatres for the Saxe company and in 1927 he resigned and went to Europe where he spent a year with his mother and sister in Greece.

Operated Myers Till 1939

Upon returning to Janesville Mr. Zanias leased the Myers theatre which he remodeled and opened on Dec. 27, 1929. He operated the Myers until 1939 when he suffered a heart attack that necessitated his being hospitalized for several months.
On June 1, 1940 Mr. Zanias and his cousin William Mihos purchased the Central cafe, 117 W. Milwaukee street.
A native of Eupalion, a village in the northwest part of Greece, Mr. Zanias attended school until he was 14 when he took a job in his uncle’s dry goods store in Massalongi, 53 miles west of hls native village. For three years he worked for his uncle and then took a job with a commission firm. Six years later he came to the United States locating first in Chicago.

Always Public Spirited

James Zanias was a public spirited citizen who gave generously to community projects and enthusiastically endorsed welfare and social programs to aid the needy here and abroad. In his love for his adopted country he never lost sight of the plight of the Greek people. Mr. Zanias headed the Janesville committee that raised funds for Greek relief and was a leader to Hellenic organizations. His friends in all walks of life were legion for he had a genial manner and the gift of understanding the problems of those who came to him in need. His boundless enthusiasm for what ever he undertook was an inspiration to those with whom he came in contact.
Surviving are cousins in the States and four nephews living in Greece. The body is at the Ryan funeral home.

Wisconsin Theatres discussions and photos:
www.onelist.com/group/WisconsinTheatres

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Park Place Cinemas on Oct 7, 2010 at 4:35 pm

The local historical society has a narrative of the Saxe Brothers Jeffris Theatre which relates a fatal collapse and a hypnotist who convinced a person to sleep 24 hours a day for a solid week in the front window of the Leath Furniture Store.

Saxe’s Jeffris Theater, under construction, collapsed, killing a plumbing contractor on or about September 19, 1923. Work resumed on Saxe’s Jeffris Theater on or about May 9, 1924. Betty Porter was chosen as Miss Janesville in a beauty contest at the Jeffris Theater, and she went on to win the Miss Wisconsin title in Milwaukee eleven days later.

The Jeffris Theater was completely remodeled during 1937.

“The Robe” in CinemaScope played there after the Jeffris installed a wider screen and a new stereophonic sound system on or about February 10, 1954.

In 1965, the Kingston Trio performed at the Jeffris Theater.

On February 21, 1966, a suspicious fire gutted the lobby of the Jeffris Theatre and sent smoke into the adjoining Monterey Hotel, asphyxiating a resident.

The theater reopened September 2, 1983 as the Ormson Cinemas 1 & 2, and then was bought by a Marshall Field company which reopened it as the five-screen Park Place Cinema.

Photos exist of the Jeffris Theater in 1943 with a large crowd lined up at its entrance. Buying a war bond during the 1943 World War II Bond Rally was the price of admission to the Jeffris' feature movie, “Sonja Henie in Wintertime”. There’s a 1943 photo of the lobby of the Jeffris Theater with three female ushers on duty near the candy display (Richard Haney, photographer), and a circa 1940s photo of the interior of a 3-man stage act including a fiddler, a guitar-player and a man playing a washtub (thought to be Walter LaVeen).

After years of vacancy and local indecision, demolition ended the Jeffris' long story.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Myers Theater on Oct 7, 2010 at 3:55 pm

(Janesville Daily Gazette, October 6, 1951)

JAMES ZANIAS

James Zanias, 72, Janesville businessman since 1908 and coproprietor of Central cafe, was found dead in bed in his room at 203 Center avenue at noon Saturday. Mr. Zanias had worked Thursday and returned to his room at midnight. While he had not complained of being ill, Mr. Zanias had suffered with a heart ailment for several years. He had planned to return to his native Greece in January to visit relatives.
Having learned something of the confectionery business in Chicago Mr. Zanias took his first job in Janesville with the Candy Kitchen, now Homsey’s, when he located here in 1906. Two years later he purchased a part interest in the business, Gus Vlachos being his partner.

Pioneer in Theatre Field

The two men became interested in the new entertainment medium motion pictures and in 1908 they opened the Lyric theatre, a 5 and 10 cent show at 113 W. Milwaukee street. Business was so profitable that Mr. Zanias purchased the Nickelodeon theatre at 210 W. Milwaukee street in 1909. By 1911 Mr. Zanias had bought out his partner’s interest and sold the confectionery store to the Homsey brothers.
Expanding his theatrical enterprises Mr. Zanias became manager of the new Apollo theatre, which in 1913 opened as a vaudeville house which also played stock companies. He operated the Apollo until 1926 when it was sold to Saxe Brothers of Milwaukee. For a short time Mr. Zanias managed the Apollo and Jeffris theatres for the Saxe company and in 1927 he resigned and went to Europe where he spent a year with his mother and sister in Greece.

Operated Myers Till 1939

Upon returning to Janesville Mr. Zanias leased the Myers theatre which he remodeled and opened on Dec. 27, 1929. He operated the Myers until 1939 when he suffered a heart attack that necessitated his being hospitalized for several months.
On June 1, 1940 Mr. Zanias and his cousin William Mihos purchased the Central cafe, 117 W. Milwaukee street.
A native of Eupalion, a village in the northwest part of Greece, Mr. Zanias attended school until he was 14 when he took a job in his uncle’s dry goods store in Massalongi, 53 miles west of hls native village. For three years he worked for his uncle and then took a job with a commission firm. Six years later he came to the United States locating first in Chicago.

Always Public Spirited

James Zanias was a public spirited citizen who gave generously to community projects and enthusiastically endorsed welfare and social programs to aid the needy here and abroad. In his love for his adopted country he never lost sight of the plight of the Greek people. Mr. Zanias headed the Janesville committee that raised funds for Greek relief and was a leader to Hellenic organizations. His friends in all walks of life were legion for he had a genial manner and the gift of understanding the problems of those who came to him in need. His boundless enthusiasm for what ever he undertook was an inspiration to those with whom he came in contact.
Surviving are cousins in the States and four nephews living in Greece. The body is at the Ryan funeral home.

(Wisconsin Theatres discussions and photos: www.onelist.com/group/WisconsinTheatres))

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Lyric Theatre on Oct 7, 2010 at 3:51 pm

(Janesville Daily Gazette, October 6, 1951)

JAMES ZANIAS

James Zanias, 72, Janesville businessman since 1908 and coproprietor of Central cafe, was found dead in bed in his room at 203 Center avenue at noon Saturday. Mr. Zanias had worked Thursday and returned to his room at midnight. While he had not complained of being ill, Mr. Zanias had suffered with a heart ailment for several years. He had planned to return to his native Greece in January to visit relatives.

Having learned something of the confectionery business in Chicago Mr. Zanias took his first job in Janesville with the Candy Kitchen, now Homsey’s, when he located here in 1906. Two years later he purchased a part interest in the business, Gus Vlachos being his partner.

Pioneer in Theatre Field

The two men became interested in the new entertainment medium motion pictures and in 1908 they opened the Lyric theatre, a 5 and 10 cent show at 113 W. Milwaukee street. Business was so profitable that Mr. Zanias purchased the Nickelodeon theatre at 210 W. Milwaukee street in 1909. By 1911 Mr. Zanias had bought out his partner’s interest and sold the confectionery store to the Homsey brothers.
Expanding his theatrical enterprises Mr. Zanias became manager of the new Apollo theatre, which in 1913 opened as a vaudeville house which also played stock companies. He operated the Apollo until 1926 when it was sold to Saxe Brothers of Milwaukee. For a short time Mr. Zanias managed the Apollo and Jeffris theatres for the Saxe company and in 1927 he resigned and went to Europe where he spent a year with his mother and sister in Greece.

Operated Myers Till 1939

Upon returning to Janesville Mr. Zanias leased the Myers theatre which he remodeled and opened on Dec. 27, 1929. He operated the Myers until 1939 when he suffered a heart attack that necessitated his being hospitalized for several months.
On June 1, 1940 Mr. Zanias and his cousin William Mihos purchased the Central cafe, 117 W. Milwaukee street.

A native of Eupalion, a village in the northwest part of Greece, Mr. Zanias attended school until he was 14 when he took a job in his uncle’s dry goods store in Massalongi, 53 miles west of his native village. For three years he worked for his uncle and then took a job with a commission firm. Six years later he came to the United States locating first in Chicago.

Always Public Spirited

James Zanias was a public spirited citizen who gave generously to community projects and enthusiastically endorsed welfare and social programs to aid the needy here and abroad. In his love for his adopted country he never lost sight of the plight of the Greek people. Mr. Zanias headed the Janesville committee that raised funds for Greek relief and was a leader to Hellenic organizations. His friends in all walks of life were legion for he had a genial manner and the gift of understanding the problems of those who came to him in need. His boundless enthusiasm for what ever he undertook was an inspiration to those with whom he came in contact.

Surviving are cousins in the States and four nephews living in Greece. The body is at the Ryan funeral home.

As of 2010 the Lyric theatre building is still there.

(Wisconsin Theatres discussion group: www.onelist.com/group/WisconsinTheatres )

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Apollo Theatre on Oct 7, 2010 at 1:39 am

(Janesville Daily Gazette, October 6, 1951)
JAMES ZANIAS
James Zanias, 72, Janesville businessman since 1908 and coproprietor of Central cafe, was found dead in bed in his room at 203 Center avenue at noon Saturday. Mr. Zanias had worked Thursday and returned to his room at midnight. While he had not complained of being ill, Mr. Zanias had suffered with a heart ailment for several years. He had planned to return to his native Greece in January to visit relatives.
Having learned something of the confectionery business in Chicago Mr. Zanias took his first job in Janesville with the Candy Kitchen, now Homsey’s, when he located here in 1906. Two years later he purchased a part interest in the business, Gus Vlachos being his partner.

Pioneer in Theatre Field

The two men became interested in the new entertainment medium motion pictures and in 1908 they opened the Lyric theatre, a 5 and lO cent show at 113 W. Milwaukee street. Business was so profitable that Mr. Zanias purchased the Nickelodeon theatre at 210 W. Milwaukee street in 1909. By 1911 Mr. Zanias had bought out his partner’s interest and sold the confectionery store to the Homsey brothers.
Expanding his theatrical enterprises Mr. Zanias became manager of the new Apollo theatre, which in 1913 opened as a vaudeville house which also played stock companies. He operated the Apollo until 1926 when it was sold to Saxe Brothers of Milwaukee. For a short time Mr. Zanias managed the Apollo and Jcffris theatres for the Saxe company and in 1927 he resigned and went to Europe where he spent a year with his mother and sister in Greece.

Operated Myers Till 1939

Upon returning to Janesville Mr. Zanias leased the Myers theatre which he remodeled and opened on Dec. 27, 1929. He operated the Myers until 1939 when he suffered a heart attack that necessitated his being hospitalized for several months.
On June 1, 1940 Mr. Zanias and his cousin William Mihos purchased the Central cafe, 117 W. Milwaukee street.
A native of Eupalion, a village in the northwest part of Greece, Mr. Zanias attended school until he was 14 when he took a job in his uncle’s dry goods store in Massalongi, 53 miles west of hls native village. For three years he worked for his uncle and then took a job with a commission firm. Six years later he came to the United States locating first in Chicago.

Always Public Spirited

James Zanias was a public spirited citizen who gave generously to community projects and enthusiastically endorsed welfare and social programs to aid the needy here and abroad. In his love for his adopted country he never lost sight of the plight of the Greek people. Mr. Zanias headed the Janesville committee that raised funds for Greek relief and was a leader to Hellenic organizations. His friends in all walks of life were legion for he had a genial manner and the gift of understanding the problems of those who came to him in need. His boundless enthusiasm for what ever he undertook was an inspiration to those with whom he came in contact.
Surviving are cousins in the States and four nephews living in Greece. The body is at the Ryan funeral home.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Strand Theatre on Oct 5, 2010 at 1:22 am

(Manitowoc Herald-Times, Wednesday, March 28, 1951)
A Challenge to Parents
Vandalism of Teen Agers in Theaters, Buses Gets Worse
How can youthful vandalism in theaters , buses and public places be curbed in Manitowoc?
This is the question now confronting law enforcement officials as a result of continued depredations, which are getting worse instead of better. The damage is running into the hundreds of dollars.
Worst instances of the acts of teen agers have been in two Manitowoc theaters, the Capitol and Strand. Seats have been cut open, initials carved in walls, and sides cluttered up with initials and markings with red lipstick.
Manager R. S. Guiterman of the Capitol estimates that in the last five months over 150 seats have been damaged. Some are almost beyond repair. Repair bills run in excess of $3 a seat.
At the Strand almost as many seats have been damaged along with deep gashes cut into the side walls with sharp instruments. Even the rest rooms are not immune. Conditions have become so bad in the movie theaters that the management is considering discontinuing the use of student tickets. By these tickets the students gain admission to theaters at a reduced price. Making the teenagers pay full fare, managers believe, might tend to stop this vandalism . Those who pay the full price for a movie usually go there to see the picture and not to cause damage.
The rear wall on the mezzatiine floor of the Capitol theater is an example of the lengths gone to by the teen agers to mark up the painted wall. Some of the markings are so high on the wall those guilty must have stood on the seats to do their marking. Bright red lipstick was the principal item used to mark up the walls.
New pushback seats in the Strand were the particular target of the pranksters. Many of the seats are so bad they cannot be used and will have to be replaced with new seats. Real problem, of course, is to catch the guilty persons in the act of vandalism. Ushers patrolling the aisles are not able to detect the guilty ones.
Closing off the mezzanine and balcony of the theaters is one proposal but in nights when there are big crowds, particularly during the week end, this also poses a problem.
Parents might be the answer. They might do a little detective work right at home and find out if their sons and daughters went to the theaters to see the movies or to work havoc to the furnishings.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Capitol Civic Centre on Oct 5, 2010 at 1:21 am

(Manitowoc Herald-Times, Wednesday, March 28, 1951)
A Challenge to Parents
Vandalism of Teen Agers in Theaters, Buses Gets Worse
How can youthful vandalism in theaters , buses and public places be curbed in Manitowoc?
This is the question now confronting law enforcement officials as a result of continued depredations, which are getting worse instead of better. The damage is running into the hundreds of dollars.
Worst instances of the acts of teen agers have been in two Manitowoc theaters, the Capitol and Strand. Seats have been cut open, initials carved in walls, and sides cluttered up with initials and markings with red lipstick.
Manager R. S. Guiterman of the Capitol estimates that in the last five months over 150 seats have been damaged. Some are almost beyond repair. Repair bills run in excess of $3 a seat.
At the Strand almost as many seats have been damaged along with deep gashes cut into the side walls with sharp instruments. Even the rest rooms are not immune. Conditions have become so bad in the movie theaters that the management is considering discontinuing the use of student tickets. By these tickets the students gain admission to theaters at a reduced price. Making the teenagers pay full fare, managers believe, might tend to stop this vandalism . Those who pay the full price for a movie usually go there to see the picture and not to cause damage.
The rear wall on the mezzatiine floor of the Capitol theater is an example of the lengths gone to by the teen agers to mark up the painted wall. Some of the markings are so high on the wall those guilty must have stood on the seats to do their marking. Bright red lipstick was the principal item used to mark up the walls.
New pushback seats in the Strand were the particular target of the pranksters. Many of the seats are so bad they cannot be used and will have to be replaced with new seats. Real problem, of course, is to catch the guilty persons in the act of vandalism. Ushers patrolling the aisles are not able to detect the guilty ones.
Closing off the mezzanine and balcony of the theaters is one proposal but in nights when there are big crowds, particularly during the week end, this also poses a problem.
Parents might be the answer. They might do a little detective work right at home and find out if their sons and daughters went to the theaters to see the movies or to work havoc to the furnishings.

LouisRugani
LouisRugani commented about Strand Theatre on Oct 5, 2010 at 12:49 am

(Sheboygan Press, September 24, 1974)
Strand To Reopen At Manitowoc
MANITOWOC – Plans are underway to reopen the Strand Theater, which has been closed for 15 years.
The reopening set for about Oct. 16 was disclosed by Robert Johnson, president of the S-T Corp., Sheboygan, which will operate the theater. The S-T firm also runs the Wisconsin Theatre in the City of Sheboygan.
Johnson said a lease has been worked out with J & J Realty Co., Sheboygan, which formerly leased it to the Marcus Corp. Improvements are being made to the interior and exterior of the building at the corner of N. Eighth and Chicago streets. The theater will have new projection equipment and a new screen measuring about 30 feet wide and 14 feet high. Exterior improvements will include a new canopy over the entrance. Seating will be reduced slightly to accommodate about 800 persons. Johnson said the Strand will offer varied film fare similar to that shown at the Wisconsin Theatre, which also has an 800 seat capacity. Most of the Wisconsin offerings are G and GP rated, he said. Plans are being made for off-street parking to accommodate theater patrons. The S-T Corp. purchased the old Opera House property to the north about five years ago.