Capitol Theatre

116-118 S. Main Street,
Taylorville, IL 62568

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Frisina Amusement Company

Architects: Roy M. Kennedy

Functions: Dental Facility, Office Space

Previous Names: Vandeveer Opera House, Gem Theatre

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Opened in 1883 as the Vandeveer Opera House, it was known as the Gem Theatre from June 4, 1909 when it began screening movies.

It was remodeled to the plans of architect Roy M. Kennedy and reopened on October 31, 1925 as the renamed Capitol Theatre, with a seating capacity given as 1,400. By the early-1940’s it was operated by the Frisina Amusement Co. and was considered the flagship theatre in their chain.

Closed in 1979, the facade has since been remodeled and the building houses offices and a dental facility.

Contributed by Bryan Krefft

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Recent comments (view all 7 comments)

Antiquarius on March 8, 2011 at 5:25 am

I found this interesting YouTube video that someone posted, of a 1988 drive through of Taylorville, IL. You can see the theater at 7:45-55. The owner of the film indicates when he drives past it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSmkxi9XoUc

dougq on June 15, 2011 at 5:24 pm

I am the poster of the You Tube Taylorville tour from 1988. Yes, the Capitol Theater was an important part of my youth as I grew up in Taylorville. I was disappointed at the destruction of the theater, but glad that most of the building facade(at least the main part) was kept, but the rest of the building was razed. Pictures of the building as it was are difficult to come by.

SethG on January 31, 2019 at 6:26 pm

For a picture from 1985, before the ugly remodel, go to: http://gis.hpa.state.il.us/hargis/ and enter ‘Vandeveer Opera House’ in the search bar. It’s derelict and has a cruddy awning instead of the marquee.