President Theater

Ascher Bros. took control of this house as early as 1912, according to a list of the Chicago chain’s important theaters published in Moving Picture World of March 10, 1917:

“The President theater, Garfield Boulevard and Calumet avenue, was the first of the larger houses operated under the Ascher system. It was taken over by the Ascher Bros, and opened to the public under their management on September 30, 1912. Previous to this time it was used exclusively for vaudeville. The President is located on one of Chicago’s finest boulevards, within a short distance of Jackson Park. It has a seating capacity of 800, and pictures are shown every afternoon and evening, at an admission price of 10 cents. There are six exits from the large auditorium which is decorated in white and blue. The music is furnished by a Kimball organ and a five-piece orchestra. Harry F. Beaumont is the resident manager.”

This would have been on Garfield Blvd/55th, not 55th Place. Historic Aerials show that it stood until at least 1972. It seems to have operated as a series of dance halls and bars after closing as a theater, most notably the Rhumboogie Cafe.