Ivory Theatre

What is now called the “Ivory Theatre” has nothing to do with the old one. The new one is in the former church at the corner of Ivory and Schirmer. The old one is being used as a bakery space currently, and is two buildings south of the above mentioned intersection. Between Feraro’s Jersey Style Pizza and a residence.

Here is a brief article about the opening of the Ivory Theatre from the July 8, 1916, issue of The Moving Picture World:

“NEW ST. LOUIS THEATER. The Ivory Theater Opens With Smashing Big Program.

“By A. H. Giebler, 236 Vanole Bldg., St Louis, Mo., Special Correspondent.

“ST LOUIS, Mo.—The Ivory theater, which has just opened its doors to the public at 7712 Ivory street, gave a smashing big program of pictures on opening night, and had an excellent orchestra to accompany the pictures. The Ivory is a new house operated under the management of the Ivory Amusement Company, with E. J. Paule at the head of the enterprise. Mr. Paule was formerly a councilman of St. Louis, and on opening day the lobby of the theater was filled to overflowing with floral offerings from his many friends and business associates.

“The Ivory is a model and up-to-date theater in every respect. The seating capacity is 850 and the two new Power’s 6-A machines and other furnishings of the house are of the most modern and approved designs. The Ivory has been playing to good audiences ever since opening day, and is a very attractive addition to the neighborhood.”

In 1927 the seating capacity was listed as 835.

Last photos are from September 2007 plus this note at the end:

Opening night is thwarted by court injunction

So who knows what that means….

Actually, the Rectory is between the old church and the Ivory, according my Googling…