Kimbark Theatre
6240 S. Kimbark Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60637
6240 S. Kimbark Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60637
2 people
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The Kim Theatre, located in the South Side neighborhood of Woodlawn, on S. Kimbark Avenue between E. 62nd Street and E. 63rd Street, opened in 1913 and sat just under 700.
The Kimbark Theatre closed sometime during the 1960’s, and was later used as a church. The building sat vacant for many years and was demolished in January/February 2016.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 19 comments)
Update: the deteriorating south wall of the building has been repaired and tuckpointed somewhat. Signs of pending reuse, perhaps?
I was born in the Woodlawn neighborhood in 1940. When we were kids our mother would give us a quarter to go to the Kimbark theater. It cost 20 cents admission and that would leave us a nickel for candy. The usual Saturday morning movie was a western and a few cartoons. As a teenager from 1953 to 1955 I worked at the Kimbark in the concession stand selling popcorn and candy. The Kimbark and the Lex were both owned by a Jewish couple who lived in the South Shore neighborhood. (Unfortunately I don’t remember their name) The wife mainly managed the Lex and hired a manager for the Kimbark. When they were shorthanded they sometimes had me work at the Lex. Around 1956 there was an influx of Puerto Rican immigrants into the area which accounts for the Spanish speaking movies.
Thanks for your post, popcorn girl. The Jewish couple you mentioned-by any chance was their last name Fisher? (Fischer)? Did they have a son? At any rate, in the early to mid 60s I passed by the Lex on foot and by CTA(the Jackson Park ‘B’ train). My memories are few- I think the boxoffice of the Lex faced West on a slight angle and was connected to the front doors. Am I correct? Since you mentioned working at the Lex at times, could you go to the Lex page and share some of your memories of the theatre…the display ads,the auditorium, the lobby-whatever comes to mind. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated! THANKS. ~Ken
As of 7/7/10, there is a for-rent sign on the exterior.
The real estate section of the November 15, 1913, issue of The Chicago Tribune had an item saying that the new Kimbark Theatre, opened only a few months previously, had been sold by William and Fred Bartholomae to H. T. Loper, operator of the Lyric Theatre in Springfield, Illinois.
Demolition permit issued 12/1, construction fencing erected around the building 12/3.
There may be segments of the facade that will be salvaged.
This theater was a sanctified church for as long as I can remember. It sat next door to my grandfather’s laundrymat just across the alley. I have a great picture that I would love to download if someone could tell me how to do it. This is another piece of my childhood I’m sad to see go!
Demolition complete 2/1/16.
The Lex theater was right on 63rd st. while the Kimbark was on 62nd. They were both managed by the same couple that Popcorn girl talked about. Our family lived on 63rd and Dorchester in the 1950’s and my sister worked at both theaters as the candy/popcorn girl. What year was the Kimbark demolished? The photos posted did not give the year.
Sorry I just saw the posting that the Kimbark was demolished in 2016, Disregard my question.