I remember back in the early 80’s there was a great plant store in the theater space called Fertile Delta. You could see the entire auditorium space minus the seats filled with plants of all sizes. Wish I took pictures.
I remember back in the early 80’s when it was a repertory cinema with great programming. It showed its age, but I loved the history of the building and the unusual horseshoe balcony that was missing seats on both sides then. Just the back. I wonder if it’s all still there hiding behind a drop ceiling? One of the oldest next to The Bryn Mawr, Biograph and Three Penny which is now Lincoln Hall. And The Lake Shore which is now a live comedy venue: The Laugh Factory?
Wow. The history of that theater and years of stripping away its glamor, inside and out. It would be interesting to see a time lapse of the interior from the glory years of live performances from legend Lee Fields to the destruction of the ornate interior. So much history in one building, lost and forgotten to most.
Drove by this afternoon and there’s activity on the facade. Scaffolding,etc….Not sure the outcome of the auditorium and stage area which is still there. Time will tell, but hopefully an improvement.
Sad that Michigan City couldn’t at least save this one as a performing arts center. This town must be so devoid of any culture to purposely lose this gem. And as late as 1972 when saving old theaters was in vogue. Shameful. Main Street must be a ghost town these days.
Used to go here a lot in the 70’s and 80’s when it was a beautiful single screen theater with the seaside motif on the side walls. The balcony was always closed with a wooden gate completely covering the entrance, except one time: the sequel to Summer of 42: Class of 44. Must’ve been the only theater around playing the movie and the place was PACKED! And the balcony was opened for the first time in years! This would’ve been a good time for the theater to go out with a bang, instead of a sad whimper that it did. Back then, I found a cast iron letter S lying on the sidewalk from the marquee. I still have it after over 50 years! Imagine all the movies that letter spelled over the years!
I found a cast iron letter: N from in front of the theater shortly before demolition. I can imagine all the movie titles it spelled over the theater’s life. Still have it!
Interesting life for a local neighborhood movie house in little over just 50 years. Movie house, bowling alley, teen dance hall then demolition. Would’ve made an interesting documentary. I’m sure there were still many old timers around to tell stories!
You’d think that Hello Dolly could’ve played on a bigger screen like The Chicago or State and Lake instead of a “mini cinema”. Even The Esquire or Carnegie.
It would be nice if the theater had a more fitting name that had something to do with Chicago and its theatrical history. How about Joseph Jefferson, an early stage performer who was noted for playing Rip Van Winkle and the theater awards in Chicago is named after?
I saw On Golden Pond with Janet Gaynor there in the…..80’s? Only time I was in that theater. I’ve been in The Studebaker for live theater and later movies. Glad it’s been reopened and opened again! ❤️
I remember back in the early 80’s there was a great plant store in the theater space called Fertile Delta. You could see the entire auditorium space minus the seats filled with plants of all sizes. Wish I took pictures.
Were those apartments above the theater? Must be nice living walking distance to a movie theater back then!
I remember back in the early 80’s when it was a repertory cinema with great programming. It showed its age, but I loved the history of the building and the unusual horseshoe balcony that was missing seats on both sides then. Just the back. I wonder if it’s all still there hiding behind a drop ceiling? One of the oldest next to The Bryn Mawr, Biograph and Three Penny which is now Lincoln Hall. And The Lake Shore which is now a live comedy venue: The Laugh Factory?
Wow. The history of that theater and years of stripping away its glamor, inside and out. It would be interesting to see a time lapse of the interior from the glory years of live performances from legend Lee Fields to the destruction of the ornate interior. So much history in one building, lost and forgotten to most.
Glad to see a small town movie house still thriving! Love the flower treatment
On the windows and the vintage marquee!
Drove by this afternoon and there’s activity on the facade. Scaffolding,etc….Not sure the outcome of the auditorium and stage area which is still there. Time will tell, but hopefully an improvement.
I remember The Crocker but had no idea that there was a theater right next to it! Wonder how long it lasted after the newer Crocker opened?
Sad that Michigan City couldn’t at least save this one as a performing arts center. This town must be so devoid of any culture to purposely lose this gem. And as late as 1972 when saving old theaters was in vogue. Shameful. Main Street must be a ghost town these days.
Beautiful design. I wonder if it could ever be restored?
Used to go here a lot in the 70’s and 80’s when it was a beautiful single screen theater with the seaside motif on the side walls. The balcony was always closed with a wooden gate completely covering the entrance, except one time: the sequel to Summer of 42: Class of 44. Must’ve been the only theater around playing the movie and the place was PACKED! And the balcony was opened for the first time in years! This would’ve been a good time for the theater to go out with a bang, instead of a sad whimper that it did. Back then, I found a cast iron letter S lying on the sidewalk from the marquee. I still have it after over 50 years! Imagine all the movies that letter spelled over the years!
I found a cast iron letter: N from in front of the theater shortly before demolition. I can imagine all the movie titles it spelled over the theater’s life. Still have it!
Interesting life for a local neighborhood movie house in little over just 50 years. Movie house, bowling alley, teen dance hall then demolition. Would’ve made an interesting documentary. I’m sure there were still many old timers around to tell stories!
According to Cinema Tour, the theater will reopen after extensive renovations with The Marvels, then Wonka. Single screen, new seats!
You’d think that Hello Dolly could’ve played on a bigger screen like The Chicago or State and Lake instead of a “mini cinema”. Even The Esquire or Carnegie.
Sad, the theater and apartments look abandoned and soon the ground level business.
1200 seats?! Wow! Closed in 1953? Too much competition from the nearby Nortown? Or the advent of television?
It would be nice if the theater had a more fitting name that had something to do with Chicago and its theatrical history. How about Joseph Jefferson, an early stage performer who was noted for playing Rip Van Winkle and the theater awards in Chicago is named after?
I saw On Golden Pond with Janet Gaynor there in the…..80’s? Only time I was in that theater. I’ve been in The Studebaker for live theater and later movies. Glad it’s been reopened and opened again! ❤️
Imagine living in that house next to the theater! Lucky kids!