RKO Mainstreet Theatre
200 Main Street,
Racine,
WI
53403
200 Main Street,
Racine,
WI
53403
1 person
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Grand opening ad from April 27th, 1927 in the photo section and below:
Found on Newspapers.com
This reopened as the RKO Main Street on September 7th, 1930. Grand opening ad in the photo section.
From CONSTRUCTION NEWS, September 28, 1912: “Two theaters, one at Racine and the other at Madison, Wis., each bearing the name of Orpheum (1), have recently been completed and opened to the public. … The building at Madison is a theater building exclusively, while that at Racine is much larger and contains a number of offices as well as the theater. While differing widely in general plan the two buildings are of the same type of construction, the theater interiors are designed along similar lines, and a description of the construction and architectural treatment of one applies generally to the other. … These theaters are similar to the Class 5 theater, as defined by the building ordinance of the city of Chicago, and each has a total seating capacity of about 1,500. The walls are of brick, resting on reinforced concrete spread foundations. Floors are of reinforced concrete. They are finished in most part with a cement surface, but a liberal use is also made of marble tile for this purpose. Roofs are of flat arch construction supported on steel trusses. The buildings are fireproof throughout with the exception of the cantilever supports of the mezzanine floor and balconies, which are of the slow burning mill construction. The interior finish generally is in ornamental plaster. … The mezzanine floor, containing eleven divisions or compartments, is a distinctive feature of these theaters, suggested by the latest practice in London and on the continent of Europe. This practice is unusual in America. … This arrangement of the mezzanine floor, where adopted, has been found to be a popular feature, since each division of the mezzanine floor has many of the advantages of a box without the corresponding expense. Four proscenium boxes are provided. The mezzanine floor is reached by stairways from the foyer on the main floor. The balcony is so arranged as to provide practically both a balcony and a gallery, but without a sharp division between the two. The lower section is entered through tunnels, while the upper section is entered at a higher level from the rear. The two sections are separate only as to means of entrance and exit, the aisles of one section, as is common in larger theaters, being offset in location with reference to those of the other section. The architectural treatment of both buildings is in the style of Louis XIV. … The general contractors of the Racine theater were the Geo. J. Hoffman Company of South Bend, Ind.”
https://books.google.com/books?id=YN9aAAAAYAAJ&dq=construction%20news%20september%201912&pg=RA7-PA12#v=onepage&q=construction%20news%20september%201912&f=false
April 17, 1936: Car Upsets and Lands in Ditch; Driver Hurt
When Francis Schlax, 4815 Twentieth avenue, Kenosha, lost control of his auto on Highway 38 near Seven Mile road yesterday afternoon it darted across the roadway, struck a guywire, crashed into a pile of rocks and bounded 60 feet into a ditch. Mr. Schlax suffered a fractured arm and lacerations of the head. He is at St. Mary’s hospital. The car rolled over three or four times, it was reported to Undersheriff Roscoe Pease and Deputy Allen Healy, and came to a stop with the front end of the auto buried in the ground.
(Racine Journal Times, May 6, 1948)
Theater To Bring Stage Shows Here
Under the new policy of operation under Standard Theaters management, stage shows will be introduced at the Mainstreet Theater starting May 13. Radio, stage, and screen personalities will be booked for performances, according to Francis Schlax, southern district manager for the new operators. Extensive remodeling and redecorating are under way at the theater, in which new carpeting and new equipment will be installed. Bud Nelson has been named Mainstreet manager by Standard Theaters Corporation, which operates 25 theaters in key Wisconsin cities, including the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee. L. F. Gran, Milwaukee, is president of the organization.
(April 15, 1912)
Central Association To Auction Off Boxes for New Theater Opening
Members of Racine lodge, No. 152, B. P. O. Elks, will not open the new Orpheum theater in the Bate block, the project having been abandoned.
Arrangements had been made between the Elks and management of the new house that the place be opened with one of the leading attractions, perhaps the John Drew company. After every effort had been exhausted, the committee of Elks visiting Chicago and other cities, they found that it was not possible to get a suitable attraction and so it was decided to drop the project.
The house is expected to be opened on May 20, with high grade vaudeville attractions. There is a project on foot to donate all of the boxes in the house to the Central association, the boxes to be auctioneered off, and the money to be devoted to the association. When a definite date is decided upon for the opening, more particulars will be given to the public. In the meantime the finishing touches are being made on the interior of the play house and it will be one of the most attractive in the state of Wisconsin.
(Racine Journal Times, January 13, 1950)
Downtown Theater Changes Hands
Two Ohio men announced today that they have bought the Mainstreet Theater business and will attempt to bring back vaudeville to Racine.
New owners of the Mainstreet are Joseph J. Lee of Dayton and Alvin Slutz of Cincinnati. They bought the Mainstreet from Standard Theaters of Milwaukee. The building itself, however, continues to be owned by the Advance-Mainstreet Corp., also of Milwaukee.
Lee and Slutz said they will retain the same name on theater, but are changing the policy to make the Mainstreet a family theater, with pictures suitable for family entertainment. They will introduce vaudeville with programs twice a month. The first vaudeville bill will be presented on Jan. 27, 28 and 29. Jerome (Jerry) Slutz, who has been managing a drive-in theater in Cincinnati, will be the new
manager of the Mainstreet. He is the son of Alvin Slutz. His father has been in the theater business since 1914. The new owners said they would paint, redecorate and renovate the Mainstreet. They will make the theater available on short notice to civic organizations planning dramatic or musical entertainment.
(Racine Journal Times editorial, March 4, 1954)
Must Face Cold Reality In Theater Project Here
By interesting coincidence an announcement was made in Milwaukee this week that one landmark of show business in southern Wisconsin is to be destroyed, while there is talk of reviving another, the Mainstreet Theater in Racine.
Owners of the old Davidson, one of the last legitimate theaters in this part of the state, revealed that the historic house will be razed soon to make way for a department store parking building. The Davidson’s demise will leave only the Pabst Theater, which is even older and more rickety, as a suitable place for legitimate drama, orchestra, ballet, opera and musical productions.
Racine’s Mainstreet, another theater in the “opera house” tradition, (although it was a movie house for most of its later years), seemed headed for the same fate. It has been closed for some time, and it is not in excellent condition. However, during the last few weeks there has been increasing interest in reviving the old building as a sort of cooperative civic theater. A recent meeting on the proposal to re-open the theater, sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce, showed a surprising amount of interest from groups and individuals who are to study the possibilities.
But before civic enthusiasm project gets too hot, there should be a note of warning sounded: It will take more than enthusiasm and wishful thinking to reopen the old theater, put it in condition to operate and keep it open. It will take planning, organization, and hard, cold cash. How much of the latter no one knows accurately, and neither does anyone know where that cash is coming from. There has been some talk of $100,000 or $125,000 to buy the building and put it into condition, but that figure is not yet even an educated guess. The total cost will depend on a structural inspection of the building, as well as an inventory of its assets and needs. A realistic financial appraisal of needs should be the first step in the project.
(Racine Journal Times, Friday, July 18, 1958)
City Order May Doom Old Theater; Investigation Bares Wild Vandalism
Racine’s Building Inspector Peter Brown today signed an order which may remove from the Downtown area the 47-year old Mainstreet Theater building at State and Main streets.
The order was signed after an inspection of the wrecked interior of the vacant structure was made Thursday afternoon by the Racine Fire Department inspection bureau, the state deputy fire marshal, city attorney and a police department technician.
After viewing the ruins of what was once one of the best stage houses in the midwest, Thomas P. Corbett, city attorney, said the interior was “an indescribably chaotic mess.”
Slashed by Prowlers
During the last seven years in which the theater has stood vacant vandals have ripped fixtures and furnishings from the floors and walls and thrown them into a heap in the main floor seating area. Stage curtains hang in shreds, slashed by prowlers who have raided the building on numerous occasions, despite attempts to board up windows, doors and other openings to keep out trespassers.
Dismayed by the extent of destruction, Corbett said, “I didn’t believe we had people in town who so wantonly destroy property.”
State Deputy Fire Marshal Joseph Farrar described the interior damage as the worst case of vandalism he had ever seen.
The city building inspector’s order directs the owner, Louis Bass of Milwaukee, to remove combustible materials, clear the blocked aisles and generally clean up the wreckage within 10 days and to comply with State Industrial Commission orders for correcting code violations before Oct. 1. The commission issued its orders in April, 1957. To date no steps have been taken to comply and the building has not reopened.
As an alternative, the order directs that the building be razed and removed.
Farrar said the building was a potential fire hazard and a danger to other downtown structures. He said the present condition also presented a needless danger to firemen who might be called to fight a fire within the building. He cited the aisles blocked by debris and stairways also obstructed.
The inspection party found evidence of previous small fires and several brooms evidently used to stamp out the fires. Footprints indicated the building had been entered by “a number” of persons.
Included in the inspection party were Asst. Fire Chief Matt Flynn, head of the fire department inspection bureau and Police Department technician Everette Smith.
Built in 1911
The Mainstreet Theater was built in 1911 at a cost of $60,000 by the Racine Investment Co., Martin J. Gillen, secretary. The company leased the building to the Orpheum Amusement Co., and in 1941 sold it to Len Brown for $35,000. Brown sold the building for $65,000 in 1945 to Michalopoulos & Parris, who after three years sold it for $120,000 to the present owner. The building was leased for $10,000 a year to Sam Kaufman of Milwaukee. Movies and several stage shows were presented in the theater until late 1951 when the building was closed.
Eariy in 1954 the Racine Theater Guild explored the possibility of acquiring the building which was available for $60,000. However, closer investigation revealed extensive renovations would be necessary and the project was abandoned.
This year, Bass offered the property to the city for $25,000. He suggested the site might be used for a central fire station, new police department headquarters or parking. On recommendation of the city plan commission, the offer was turned down.
(Captions follow for four photos)
“"Worst case of vandalism I’ve ever seen,“ is the way Deputy State Fire Marshal Joseph Farrar described the devastated interior of the long vacant Mainstreet Theater, 200 Main St. The fire marshal inspected the building Thursday with members of the Racine Fire Department inspection bureau, City Atty. Thomas P. Corbett and Police Technician Everette Smith. First photo is overall view of the destruction wrought by intruders who have forced their way into the building. In second photo is closeup of the radiators vandals hurled from first and second balconies into the main floor seating. Included in the ruins are seats from the balconies, equipment from the projection rooms, handrails from the balconies and boxes and smashed light bulbs. In third photo are several closeup views of the wanton damage: plaster and lathes ripped from aisle wall, hole chopped in balcony floor, glass smashed in nearly every door and window, and uprooted radiators that failed to fall.
(Racine Journal Times, March 19, 1954)
Theater Project Deemed Hopeful
First reports from sub-committee studying the possibility of using the Mainstreet Theater as a community theater indicate there is hope for success of the project, according to Paul Lange, temporary chairman of the newly-organized Mainstreet Theater Association.
Mrs. Atlee H. Bratley, head of the survey committee which is attempting to determine the need for a community theater in Racine, said her committee had polled 130 parent organizations and 60 branch organizations. Of these, she said 95 per cent pledged support to reopening the theater building for use of local groups. She said 15,000 persons are represented by the organizations. The poll indicated 50 per cent of the organizations would have made use of the Mainstreet Theater since its closing had it been available, and that 23 of the polled organizations had used the building’s facilities in the past.
Used 91 Times.
Mrs. Bratley said the theater had been used by outside Racine organizations a total of 91 times during its last year of operation. She added that her survey showed that interested organizations estimated they would have use for a communlty theater at least 115 nights out of the year. Reports of a committee investigating
the physical soundness of the building and the cost of operating it as a community theater are expected in the near future, Lange said.
William Allen, engineer with the J. I. Case Co., who heads the committee, said theater specialists would be contacted in an effort to determine the cost of reconverting the building.
(April 30, 1912; Racine Journal-News)
Orpheum Opening Grand Success; Society Patrons of New Theatre; First Bill Presages Future Treats
Brilliantly illuminated, decorated with American beauties and other flowers, a magnificent audience and a program of the highest vaudeville merit marked the opening of the new Orpheum theatre in the Bate block last night.
It is one of the most modern and up-to-date play houses of similar character in the United States.
Descriptions of the place have not been exaggerated, in fact only in part presented. Before the opening hour, 8 o'clock, automobiles and other conveyances deposited scores of people at the entrance, while hundreds of others were on hand.
Reaching the lobby, expressions of surprise were heard, still more was this surprise in evidence when the foyer was reached, both elaborately decorated and luxuriously furnished. But it was in the body of the house that the astonishment broke loose. No one had anticipated anything nearly as beautiful. There were the thirteen mezzanine boxes directly to the east and over the rear of the auditorium proper, finished in ivory and decorations of old rose, each box seating from five to eight people.
Lower Floor Roomy
On the lower floor are the 570 seats, roomy and comfortable, concrete floors covered with carpets, delicately tinted ceilings, chandeliers with forty lights and other features.
Then there is the balcony with nearly 500 seats and so arranged that every part of the house can be seen, and in connection is the family circle. Here the furnishings are in keeping with the balance of the house. There are reception and cloak rooms, in fact everything convenient.
There are fifteen fire exits and the force employed at the house have been drilled to efficiency in case of fire. It is fire proof. The stage is large, the curtains fire proof, but at the same time beautiful and attractive. Under the stage are rooms for the help, actors, etc. A complete description of the house has been given before.
The unanimous vote of the fifteen hundred persons in the audience was: “A grand house; one for the working people to attend and enjoy, attractions warranted to equal any on the vaudeville stage of the larger cities, and convenience assured in all respects. A house for the masses and to be depended upon.”
All Are Pleased
John Bate, owner and builder of the block and theatre; Allardt Bros, and Martin J. Gillen, lessees of the theatre; George Hoffman and company, of South Bend, builders; George Rapp architect of the building; J. D. Hogan, superintendent of construction; representatives of Mandel Bros., decorators, were all there and were delighted with the reception tendered the house by the people of Racine.
Many of the leading theatrical men of the country were also in the audience, among those noticed being: Martin Beck, general manager of the Orpheum circuit and president of the Western Vaudeville association; C. F. Allardt, C. J. Allardt, general managers of the Allardt circuit; C. E. Bray, general manager of the Vaudeville Managers' association; Bert M. Cortelyou, booking agent; J. C. Elias, Frank Thielen, Coney Holmes, W. E. Butterfield, Karl Hoblitzelle, Marcus Heiman, Sam Kahl and others. These men stated that in all of the opera houses they had seen opened, never before did the audience equal the one here.
Society In Boxes
In the mezzanine boxes were observed the following leading amusement loving people of the city: Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Wallis, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Wallis, Miss Lydia Wallis and Mr. Charles McIntosh, Milwaukee.
Mr. and Mrs. R.T. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Robinson, Mrs. Judson and Miss Eleanor Shoenberger.
Mr and Mrs. Frank J. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and family, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Brannum.
Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Johnson and family, Mr. and Mrs. Warren J. Davis and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank K. Bull, Mrs. John Reid, Miss Juliette Richards, Stephen Bull, II, Emery Jones.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Simonson, Mrs. Andrew Simonson; Miss Bessie Freeman, Percy Bowerman.
Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Horlick, Mr. and Mrs. James V. Rohan, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Armstrong, Miss Dorothy Armstrong.
Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Johnson and family, Mr. and Mrs. James Cowling and family, and others.
Mrs. P. S. Fuller and daughters, Malcolm Erskine and William Mixer.
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Crooks, of California, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Case, Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Case.
Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Bray, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Butterfield, Mr. and Mrs. E. O. Childs, Mrs. Charles Allardt, Mrs. E. B. Sherman, Mr. and Mrs. Frye, Mrs. Wm. Smal, Mrs. Charles York, Mrs. E. Strayer, Mrs. G. Forest, George Rapp, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Shane, Mrs. W. W. Pepple, Mrs. Burdick, Miss Berlinger, Mrs. T. D. Foster, Mrs. Kayle, Mr. Rothchild and Miss Simon, all of Chicago.
Mrs. Ida N. Elliott, Miss Ruth Elliott, Miss Kathleen Elliott, Roscoe Guilbert, Paul Blackburn, Fred Hueffner.
Arthur Friedman,.Mr,.and .Mrs. Sol Grollman and daughter, Miss Louisa Feiker, Miss Basch and L. A. Sachs.
The Program Pleases
The program was one of the best along the lines of vaudeville ever given in a theatre here. A feature was the orchestra, under the leadership of Ollie M. Cotton, considered one of the most proficient leaders in the middle west. Among the selections rendered were: “The Band Came Back,” “Il Trovatore,” “The Siren,” “Miss Dudelsack,” “Everybody Two-Step.”
Bailey’s posing dogs excelled anything that could be imagined. It would seem almost impossible to train three dogs to perform in such a remarkable manner, especially in the tableaux, when one would declare that the animals were carved of stone. Not even a muscle or move of the head could be detected.
Lydell and Butterworth, the “Little Brown Lady,” and “Funny Dancer,” gave an exhibition of comedy in every sense of the word. Lydell is a past master, and Miss Butterworth is grace and perfection itself. The gowns of Miss Butterworth were attractive.
Clever Change Artists
Arturo Bernardi sustained his reputation as being one of the cleverest quick change artists in the world. His work was marvelous and the vast audience could not believe it was possible for one individual to make the lightning changes from one character to another and would have wagered there were two artists instead of one. He gave a twenty minute drama and during the presentation impersonated twenty different characters, ranging from a comedy waiter to an adventuress. The first was Gerolamo’s Escapade, in which he appeared as waiter, countryman, his wife, a wandering showman, a coquette, Prof. Baccillo, a soubrette, an official. Then he impersonated the following well known composers: Wagner. Gounod, Mascagni, Liszt, Meyerbeer, Verdi, Sousa and all seemed perfect. “The Surprise.” a comedietta in one act, brought forth the
following characters: a police officer, his wife, a student, deaf old student. Here is where Bernardi showed the audience how he made his marvelous changes, exposing his methods in a novel and interesting manner.
Is Clever Monologist
Murray K. Hill was about as clever and entertaining a monologist seen in this city for years. His work right up to date and kept the people in good humor and a roar of laughter.
Hermine Shone and company in the farcical fantasy, “The Little Goddess,” was well put on the characters being well interpreted. Venus, The Little Goddess, was Miss Hermine Shone; Bob Hammond, Mr. John Sterling; Molly Hammond, Miss Adelle Alcot; Mrs. Wagstaff, Bob’s Mother-in-law; Mrs. Rose Davis, Dick Smith, Will Gaylor; Mephistopholes, George Fisher.
Encores were in evidence.
Manager Andress was more than pleased with the crowd and program. He has a corps of polite and affable attendants who will endeavor to take care of the patrons of the house in pleasing manner.
The moving pictures are clean and of the very latest that the films can produce.
Below is the staff of the new Orpheum:
Managerâ€"H. C. Andress.
Treasurerâ€"Horace Genge.
Door-keeperâ€"Chris Ritt.
Head usherâ€"Harry Petersen.
Stage managerâ€"Louis Rousar.
GALA OPENING PROGRAM STARTING MONDAY EVENING, APRIL 29 (1912):
BERNARDI- Justly entitled to the superlative commendation, “King of Protean Artists!” Alone enacting no less than a score of difficult and diverse roles with a facility well nigh uncanny.
HERMINE SHONE & COMPANY â€" Five favorite farceurs in a fantastic, frivolous ferment of fun.
LYDELL & BUTTERWORTH- The LITTLE BROWN LADY and the FUNNY DANCER.
TED BAILEY’S POSING DOGS- Novel Art Reproductions
MURRAY K. HILL- Merry Jester and Parodist
SUPERLATIVE ANIMATED VIEWS – FIRST RUN FILM REPRODUCTIONS
ORPHEUM CONCERT ORCHESTRA – DIRECTION PROF. O. M. COTTON
(Racine Journal-News, April 27, 1912)
MRS. H. DURANT IS PRIZE WINNER
(By the Spelling Editor)
It’s all over-and the enigma is solved. It really wasn’t a puzzle at
allâ€"-it was a cinch. Hundreds of Racine people had ‘figured out’ what all Racine was talking about before The Journal-News was off the press two hours last night, and this morning hundreds of letters containing the correct answer were received by special delivery at the Journal-News office. The letters scattered throughout the paper “Orpheum” of course, and of the big basket full of special delivery letters not one contained any other answer than the name of the vaudeville theater which opens Monday night. In accordance with the terms of the contest the first answer opened by the Spelling Editor was awarded the prize and the first place went to Mrs. H. Durant of 1420 Grange avenue. She gets two box seats at the new theatre, good twice a week for twenty weeks and valued at $40. Her letter was the first one signed for by the Spelling Editor who is now afflicted with writer’s cramp from putting his name in the special delivery mail carrier’s little book. There was nothing on the outside of the envelope to indicate who sent the answer inside so that Mrs. Durant’s victory was largely due to chance as many other letters were received at about the same time. Mrs. Durant’s box seats are the best in the new house and the prize accordingly is a very acceptable one. The first two hundred and first prizes inclusive were awarded to the
sender, of the next two hundred letters opened by the Spelling Editor.
(February 23, 1954 – Racine Journal Times)
Call Meeting to Discuss Use of Mainstreet Theater
Persons and civic organizations interested in a proposed project to restore the Mainstreet theater building as a community theater for stage productions are being invited to express their ideas at an 8 p. m. meeting Wednesday in the Hotel Nelson.
A number of organizations have indicated interest in salvaging Racine’s last remaining legitimate theater. To bring the suggestions to a focal point, the Junior Chamber of Commerce has named Paul Lange as chairman of a committee to investigate the possibilities.
Will Meet Wednesday
Lange has called a meeting of all interested individuals and groups for Wednesday night to determine what, if anything, can be done.
Earlier, Edward L. Speer, president of the Kiwanis Club, proposed a similar project to renovate and salvage the theater. His suggestion is to be considered by the members of Racine’s two Kiwanis Clubs.
Speer pointed out Racine has two major amateur theatrical groups as wall as dramatics productions from Junior and Senior high schools who could make use of the theater. In addition, Speer suggested that a renovated Mainstreet Theater also might be used as a convention hall.
Since the installation of wide movie screens on the stages of two houses, there is no longer any theater of ample seating capacity which can accomodate a stage production, Speer said. The Kiwanis Club also will have to look for a new theater in which to present its annual minstrel show. Speer suggested the possibility that the theater building might be purchased and renovated through a public campaign, sponsored by the several civic groups which would be interested in retaining a legitimate theater in Racine.
(July 17, 1945)
AGAINST CRIME MOVIES
Editor, Journal-Times:
It is seldom that I feel constrained to express my opinions in the public press, but it seems to me that I must give voice to my feelings in regard to the very objectionable “movie” shown at the Main Street theater over the weekend of Sept. 8. A big sign emblazoned the picture in a very emphatic manner “The ‘shock’ crime picture of the notorious Dillinger gang” by an All Star cast. It was indeed startling enough to make the citizens of Racine stop and think of the tremendous impetus to criminal tendencies this picture could give.
With crime rampant all over the nation, and plenty of it right in Racine, one could picture the damage done to the immature minds of children, and weak adult minds.
Surely thoughtful parents would not want their children to see this kind of picture, but evidently no sort of investigation, whatsoever, is being made as to what is being shown in Racine. As far as I can discover there is no censoring done by any group at present. Evidently the city clerk’s office issues permits to all who apply.
I call the attention of Mayor Wendt and those who handle the permits to an article in the Milwaukee Journal of Sept. 9 which said in part: “The censoring of the movies in Milwaukee, including all other shows, is done by a group of unpaid citizens called a commission. They are without legal authority but with the actual power to bar such films as are objectionable. The Commission operates as an extra legal arm of the mayor and if the Commission lacks statuary authority to control objectionable pictures, the mayor has the legal power.
The mayor grants licenses which promote good in the city and he can refuse any manager who wishes to put on what is not right. It would be interesting to know how far such a picture as "Dillinger and his Shock Crimes” would get in Milwaukee. Racine might well take note of what is being shown here.
â€"ROSE E. MALSCH.
LETTERS to the Journal Times, Sunday, Aug. 25, 1974- 11 A
Racine. Wi.
Urges rebirth of Venetian
To the Editor: Suggestions for helping the Racine Symphony from Mrs. Leo Draves in her letter a few weeks ago were excellent.
One additional requirement for a good attendance and performance is the necessity of a good home, one which is permanent, and can be shared with the many other fine musical and stage groups of our community. Excellent acoustics are an absolute must, as are good sight lines. All this awaits us in the elegant auditorium of the Venetian Theatre now waiting for rebirth as a
performing arts center. Excellent acoutstics are elusive and difficult to engineer into an auditorium as demonstrated by terrible acoustics in some recent multimillion dollar centers.
In the past few months many letters to the editor have appeared with the constructive suggestion, “Use the Venetian as a civic auditorium.” Many communities have already done this with good
sound theatres in downtown areas.
The city most recent to ‘see the light’ is Madison (I had hoped Racine could be the first in Wisconsin). Their mayor has just completed negotiations for the Madison Capitol Theatre as their performing arts at a price of $600,000.
It is reported Racine could have the Venetian for about $100,000. This is many millions of dollars less than new construction which doesn’t even guarantee good acoustics. The Madison Capitol
Theatre had about the same seating capacity of the Venetian but is not nearly as elegant.
If our city is ever to have a fine civic auditorium for its symphony, large stage productions, community concert series, and many other uses in a convention center setting, now is the time to
act. Think of the Main Street Theatre fiasco a few years ago. We should contact the most obvious purchasers of the Venetian.. .our good mayor, council members, Central City Commission, also
chairman and members of the Racine County Board.
The Venetian Theatre was built as a tribute to Racine’s citizens (see special 10-page edition of the Racine Journal Times on Venetian’s opening April 11, 1928.) Quoting from a large ad by
Edward Zahn, then owner of .Zahns, “Congratulations to Mr. Carl Laemmle in giving to Racine this beautiful new playhouse, comparable with the best in cities many times our size. The Venetian marks another milestone of greater progress for this splendid city.
Civic loving citizens extend their acclaim to those who have shown their faith in the future of our city — another monument for a better greater Racine.“
Let us use this beautiful theatre as a civic auditorium for all to enjoy. If we ever lose it, it will be gone forever.
FREDERICK P. HERMES
1710 Heather Lane
(VOP, August 15, 1956, Racine Journal Times)
Wants Elvis In Racine
We were discussing Racine’s entertainment and we came up with a question. We would like to see famous artists give personal appearances in Racine. Why can’t some one open the old Main Street Theater and have some noted entertainers, like they did when my mother was young?
The old theater doesn’t make a good appearance on our Main Street as it is. Our city is prosperous in every other way, why can’t they bring Elvis Presley our way? It sure would be grand to have him, Bill Haley and others like them in our city.
â€"AN “ELVIS PRESLEY FAN”
(June 30, 1931, Madison Capital Times)
The Main Street theater, Racine, has been turned over to Fox by RKO, according to H. J. Fitzgerald, of the Milwaukee Fox organization. The RKO Palace theater in Milwaukee may also be taken over by Fox in the near future.
Officials of both groups point out theater consolidation is now in progress throughout the country, and that the situation in Madison is representative of conditions which the theater men are attempting to effect in other cities. When the Strand is taken over by RKO all theaters here will be operated by one chain. If business conditions are poor, one or more theaters may then be closed.
(January 23, 1958, Racine Journal-Times)
“OWNER of the Main Street Theater building, on the northwest corner of State and Main streets, has offered the building for sale to the city for $25,000. Arnold Goodman, with whom the owner, Louis Bass of Milwaukee, listed the property, outlined the offer in a letter to the City Council, indicating that the building "might have use in connection with enlarging the police station facilities; for re-location of the 6th Street Fire Station, offstreet parking purposes or perhaps relocation of city offices, such as the Board of Education.”
(March 12, 1954; Racine Journal Times)
Progress of Move Involving Theater
Dear Tex: Just a line to keep you and the readers up to date on
the question of theater facilities for Racine people.
As you know, Paul Lange of the Junior Chamber of Commerce called a meeting two weeks ago at Hotel Racine to discuss the possibilities of obtaining the Main Street Theater for Racine. Paul Lange was elected chairman of the “Mainstreet Theater Association” at the meeting. The group decided to appoint three committees to gather facts for later evaluation.
Investigating Casts
At the present time Hans Geyer is heading a committee investigating the cost of putting the Main Street Theater in safe, sound and efficient operating condition. Another committee, headed by Bill Boy, is obtaining information on yearly maintenance and operating costs for the theater.
The third committee, headed by yours truly, has been asked to survey organizations in Racine concerning their needs for a theater like the Mainstreet. Members of this committee will contact presidents of organizations by phone this coming week to sound out their needs for theater facilities.
Not the “Only Pebble”
Members of the growing “association” realize that the Mainstreet Theater isn’t the only pebble on the beach. In order to get a complete picture it will be necessary to bring past surveys conducted on existing theatrical facilities up to date. It will also be important to get information about the city’s plans for community buildings.
People interested in the theater question are cordially invited to
meet with the “association” Wednesday, March 17, at 6 p.m. at the
Theatre Guild Playhouse on Erie and High Streets.
â€"JAMES L. PAGE.
(Tuesday, February 6, 1912)
Theater Nears Completionâ€"
Work on the new Bate theater is being rushed and it is thought that within a month or so the first performance can be staged at the theater. The outer walls were completed some time ago, but the cold weather delayed the interior work considerably.
Thank you for that valuable Rapp & Rapp information and the other research, Paul; unfortunately there’s no way I know of to edit additional data into the header above once the page is constructed.
This theatre was designed by Rapp & Rapp. Hopefully, Louis you can add that to the top so this important early work of theirs receives the appropriate attention. The following articles confirm their involvement:
Racine Daily Journal
August 26, 1911
P. 7
“Contractors of this city received word from D.(sic) W. and George L. Rapp, architects, of Chicago, today the time for the opening of bids for the construction of the new Bate Opera House, to be located at State and Main streets, had been extended to Thursday of next week.”
Racine Journal News
April 3, 1912
P. 7
“Inspect New Theatre – Yesterday afternoon Martin J. Gillen, John Bate, H. C. Andress, George Rapp, artchitect, Richard Attart and others interested, made an inspection of the new Orpheum theatre…”
Racine Journal News
April 25, 1912
P. 2
“New Orpheum Theatre to Open Monday: Marks New Epoch in Local Amusements…George Rapp of Chicago was the architect.”
Racine Journal News
April 30, 1912
“Orpheum Opening Grand Success; Society Patrons of New Theatre; First Bill Presages Future Treats…All Are Pleased…George Rapp, architect of the building…”
Louis,
Do you know of an opera house built in Racine prior to 1906? I’ve found a listing for Chicago area builders, Wiley Brothers, that says they built an opera house in Racine. Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Paul