Howard Theatre
112 W. State Street,
Jefferson,
IA
80129
112 W. State Street,
Jefferson,
IA
80129
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Pioneer Theater Corp.
Architects: Jack J. Liebenberg
Firms: Liebenberg and Kaplan
Previous Names: State Theatre
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The State Theatre was opened October 19, 1927 with Rin Tin Tin and Jason Robards Sr. in “Jaws of Steel”. It was remodeled in early-1936 to the plans of architectural firm Liebenberg & Kaplan and reopened April 2, 1936 as the Howard Theatre with Dick Foran in “Song of the Saddle”. It was one of four theatres at one time in operation in Jefferson. Seating was listed at 265 so it was the smallest of the four. The Howard Theatre closed on December 15, 1951 with Leo Gorcey in “Let’s Get Tough!” & John Litel in “Alcatraz Island”. It has since been demolished.
Contributed by
Chuck
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Recent comments (view all 3 comments)
I found a mention of the Howard Theatre as early as the March 21, 1942, issue of Boxoffice. The item said that Beverly Richards, 22, was the new manager of the Iowa and Howard Theatres at Jefferson, both operated by the Pioneer Theatre Corporation of Minneapolis. She was the first woman ever named manager by the company.
This link says Jefferson had 3-4 theatres at one time. I am added a CT page for the Lincoln Theatre. (And added one for the Eagle Theatre in Grand Junction, though I could not find an address.)
http://carrollspaper.com/Content/Local-News-Archive/Local-News/Article/Programs-to-spotlight-movie-theaters-Grand-Junction-history/1/1/27494
Rin Tin Tin “Jaws of Steel” was the opening film as the State Theatre on October 19, 1927. “Song of the Saddle” and “Flash Gordon” was the opening Howard bill on April 2, 1936. And it closed on December 15, 1951 with “Let’s Get Tough” and “Alcatraz Island.” The popcorn machine was donated to the boy scouts for fundraising.
The building was used as storage for Fingenshaw’s Furniture store. Security Savings Bank purchased the building from the Fingenshaws demolishing it in the Summer of 1984.