The Moving Picture World items from 1924 I cited in my earlier comment say that W. G. Maute, owner of the new Maute Theatre, also owned the Grand, so they were two separate houses. No mergers needed.
The June, 1925 issue of The Architectural Forum has two pages about the Maute Theatre, including a floor plan, exterior view and two interior photos.
In 1921 what became the Aladdin Theater was built at 411 Main Street. It’s original name was Maute’s Grand Theater. Same people owned both The Lamp and The Aladdin.
The May 3, 1924, issue of The Moving Picture World had this item:
“W. G. Maute opened his new 800-seat Maute Theatre at Irwin on April 21, and the house is one of the finest for its size to be found anywhere. Several of the local film exchange men attended the opening. Maute also owns the Grand in the same town.”
The May 10 issue of the same publication had this follow-up item:
“W. G. Maute, who has for some time conducted the Grand Theatre at Irwin, on April 21 opened his newest house in the same town and which he has named the Maute. The new house seats 800 and is as pretty a small theatre as can be found anywhere. Opening night saw capacity crowds anxious to get their first glimpse at the new picture house, where ‘Boy of Mine’ and an Educational-Mermaid comedy were the initial attraction.”
The Moving Picture World items from 1924 I cited in my earlier comment say that W. G. Maute, owner of the new Maute Theatre, also owned the Grand, so they were two separate houses. No mergers needed.
The June, 1925 issue of The Architectural Forum has two pages about the Maute Theatre, including a floor plan, exterior view and two interior photos.
Additionally, the address is 417 Main Street, and the building still exists today as Shidle Masonic Lodge.
Via the Downtown Irwin Facebook page:
In 1921 what became the Aladdin Theater was built at 411 Main Street. It’s original name was Maute’s Grand Theater. Same people owned both The Lamp and The Aladdin.
So the two pages may need merging.
The May 3, 1924, issue of The Moving Picture World had this item:
The May 10 issue of the same publication had this follow-up item:Here is a photo circa 1930s:
http://tinyurl.com/muuwgw