https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Construction_News/YN9aAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1 From 1912, the Annex could very well be the earliest atmospheric theater.
The Hamlin/Alex was evidently an elaborate but failed dance hall called the Wigwam from 1925-1926. The Tribune gives the address of the Wigwam as 3826 Madison. The owners were Butch Crowley, a Joliet bootlegger, and Ned Allen, former warden of Joliet prison. http://archive.org/details/variety81-1926-01/page/n109/mode/1up?view=theater
Seated 270. Address 67 N Williams St. Still standing.
https://www.facebook.com/reclaimedcl/posts/4430095707082646
https://www.mchenrycountyliving.com/history/tripletsofwilliamsst
The Majestic was built by George H. Johnson in five months during 1904 and opened October 21. It burned December 27 of that year but was quickly rebuilt, reopening April 13, 1905.
The Marlowe Theatre opened May 1902. It was named for famed Shakespearean actress Julia Marlowe. One of many small town opera houses developed by George H. Johnston.
I think the American was likely an uncredited John Eberson collaboration. The arrangement of the facade is very similar to other early Eberson designs including the Vic and Crown in Chicago. The Crown was built for William Wieboldt in 1909. The contractor for the American was R.C. Wieboldt, his son.
More on this theater here: https://www.kpl.gov/local-history/kalamazoo-history/arts-entertainment/academy-of-music/
https://www.kpl.gov/local-history/kalamazoo-history/arts-entertainment/regent-theatre/
This theater was remodeled in 1919 as the Regent to plans by John Eberson, per American Contractor, July 26, 1919
Interestingly, the theatre was designed by John Eberson in association with C.W. and George D. Rapp and remodeled by C. Harold Crane. A triple play of big names.
https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Construction_News/YN9aAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1 From 1912, the Annex could very well be the earliest atmospheric theater.
The Hamlin/Alex was evidently an elaborate but failed dance hall called the Wigwam from 1925-1926. The Tribune gives the address of the Wigwam as 3826 Madison. The owners were Butch Crowley, a Joliet bootlegger, and Ned Allen, former warden of Joliet prison. http://archive.org/details/variety81-1926-01/page/n109/mode/1up?view=theater
The Marx Brothers played here early on. https://archive.org/details/variety25-1911-12/page/n77/mode/2up?view=theater
Seated 270. Address 67 N Williams St. Still standing. https://www.facebook.com/reclaimedcl/posts/4430095707082646 https://www.mchenrycountyliving.com/history/tripletsofwilliamsst
The Majestic was built by George H. Johnson in five months during 1904 and opened October 21. It burned December 27 of that year but was quickly rebuilt, reopening April 13, 1905.
The building across the street, at 225 2nd Street, sure looks like it was an old upper floor opera house.
The Marlowe Theatre opened May 1902. It was named for famed Shakespearean actress Julia Marlowe. One of many small town opera houses developed by George H. Johnston.
Updated NYPL link: https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47df-52da-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
Original Architect was Sidney Lovell
Several good early photos here: https://archive.org/details/exhibitorsherald24unse/page/n391/mode/2up?view=theater
Interior photo: https://archive.org/details/exhibitorsherald16exhi_0/page/n909/mode/2up?view=theater
It was not immediately demolished, as it can be seen in this photo: http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/996/photos/98994
Architect was Sidney Lovell. Borgolte was the supervising architect, not design architect. Promoter George H. Johnston. Seated 1331.
The Jefferson Theatre was built in 1906 by opera house promoter George H. Johnston. John Eberson may have still been working with him at this time.
Original architect was George H. Johnston. John Eberson was learning the ropes with him at the time.
Architect was George H. Johnston. This was one of the first projects John Eberson was involved in, as a promoter.
19 Jun 1900, Tue The Dispatch (Moline, Illinois) Newspapers.com
That’s the story at least, but other earlier articles are turning up.
19 Jun 1900, Tue The Dispatch (Moline, Illinois) Newspapers.com
It was at this theatre that John Eberson began working with George Johnston, beginning his career.
One of the earliest John Eberson theaters with Johnson (or Johnston?) Realty. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83776060/
It should also be noted that the American opened under Jones, Linick, & Shaefer with a vaudeville policy
I think the American was likely an uncredited John Eberson collaboration. The arrangement of the facade is very similar to other early Eberson designs including the Vic and Crown in Chicago. The Crown was built for William Wieboldt in 1909. The contractor for the American was R.C. Wieboldt, his son.
More on this theater here: https://www.kpl.gov/local-history/kalamazoo-history/arts-entertainment/academy-of-music/ https://www.kpl.gov/local-history/kalamazoo-history/arts-entertainment/regent-theatre/
This theater was remodeled in 1919 as the Regent to plans by John Eberson, per American Contractor, July 26, 1919
American Contractor July 29 1915 gives the architect as John Eberson
Interestingly, the theatre was designed by John Eberson in association with C.W. and George D. Rapp and remodeled by C. Harold Crane. A triple play of big names.