Appleton Theater
216 N. Oneida Street,
Appleton,
WI
54911
216 N. Oneida Street,
Appleton,
WI
54911
2 people
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Last night of operation was March 21, 1972, with the X-rated “The School Girls” on the screen. Demolition was announced shortly thereafter and began in April. Theater was replaced by a savings and loan parking lot.
Original Architect was Sidney Lovell
Moving Picture World March 11, 1922 page 216
“Appleton, Wis. Theatre Installs Barton Organ”
“F.W. Fisher who owns a string of theatres comprising the cites of LaSalle, Ill., Kewanee, Ill., and Madison, Wis., recently purchased the Grand Opera House building in Appleton, Wis. Dan Barton of Bartola Musical Instruments Co. has personally laid out an organ installation for him which promises to be one of the finest in the state. A large model Barton organ will be installed in the proscenium. The instrument will have a special instrumentation which will provide all orchestral effects.Mr. Fisher’s entire circuit of theatres is equipped with Barton Musical Instruments.”
The hyperbole is charming as the Barton organ installed here was 2 manuals, 9 ranks, very much a comfortable, modest organ as theatre organs went. And as with most theatre organs, it apparently went as soon as talkies came along.
Joe V., If Brin took over in 1929, this was probablynowned by Fisber-Paramount for a few years prior, correct?
The Appleton Theatre underwent major remodeling in 1929. The December 24 issue of the Appleton Post-Crescent said that the renovated, one-time opera house, now operated by Brin Theatres, Inc., would reopen with a matinée on Christmas Day. The remodeling was designed by the Milwaukee architectural firm Dick & Bauer, theater specialists.
The Appleton was a great theater. In 1970 I saw Woodstock there and the movie Joe starring Peter Boyle and Susan Sarandon.
This was an amazing theater! My Grandfather, Stanley Gross was Manager when they reopened after the remodel and before managing at the Appleton he managed at the Rio in Appleton.
The Appleton Theatre, then a Marcus Amusement Corporation operation, was sold to First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Milwaukee in 1971. It was to be demolished to make room for 22 parking spaces, according to the item in Boxoffice of September 13 that year.
The Appleton was remodeled in 1961. Here are some items from the 1/17/61 edition of the Appleton Post-Crescent:
http://tinyurl.com/pz8c2m
http://tinyurl.com/rbnjof
Here is another postcard with the Appleton Theater.
View link
The Appleton Opera House (later Appleton Theater) opened on February 10, 1902.
The Appleton Theater was in the 1925 City Directory.
Appleton Theater
216 N. Oneida
Louis Lutz was the manager.