Saybrook Theatre
W. Lincoln Street,
Saybrook,
IL
61770
W. Lincoln Street,
Saybrook,
IL
61770
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Arthur Enterprises Inc.
Functions: Retail
Previous Names: Electric Theatre, Princess Theatre, Roxy Theatre
Nearby Theaters
No theaters found within 30 miles
Located in the business district. The Electric Theatre was opened in August 1909. It was renamed Princess Theatre on May 15, 1913. In September 1933 it went over to sound films. On September 10, 1937 it was given a Streamline Moderne style makeover and was renamed Roxy Theatre. On March 8, 1940 it was re-named Saybrook Theatre. It was closed on January 17, 1955 with Donald O'Connor in “Francis Joins the WACS”. It was converted into retail use.
Contributed by
David Zornig
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Recent comments (view all 3 comments)
The Princess Theatre opened May 15, 1913 with Belle Bennett in “Vengeance.” The Princess was a very late converter to sound films not doing so until March 3, 1931 under new operator Robert A. Isaacs of Bloomington. Under C.A. Haines, on September 10, 1937, the theatre received a shocking streamline moderne makeover becoming the Roxy Theatre. Two years later, in 1939, Byrnes Amusement of Chicago took on the venue. On March 8, 1940 Byrnes sold the theatre ton Edwin Arthur of Arthur Theatres who changed the name of the venue to the Saybrook Theatre starting with Gene Autry in “Mexicali Rose.”
Television took its toll on small town theaters nationwide. In April of 1954, the Saybrook reduced to just two days a week operation. Likely ash the expiry of 15-year leasing agreement, operator Charles McNarney closed up in 1955 offering the theater for sale. The final showings were of Francis, the Talking Mule in “Francis Joins the WACs” on January 17, 1955. In 1956, Russell Fields bought the theater and its equipment. He decided to remove the equipment and use the building for other purposes.
The May 15, 1913 Opening Night print ad image reads: (Formerally The Electric Theatre) beneath Princess, so it must have opened under that name originally. (the “Formerally” typo was theirs). So Previous Names should read: Electric Theatre, Princess Theatre, Roxy Theatre chronologically. The building is still standing. Visible if you search “100 W. Lincoln Street, Saybrook, IL 61770” and scroll right on Google Street View. It is next to the vacant corner lot, across the street from both Saybrook water towers. However street view will not go down Lincoln Street, so securing it’s actual address is not possible unless someone goes there in person. It is unfortunately two hours away from me. I’ll see if the folks at Casey’s General Store in the next block would be so kind as to get it for us.
Indeed, J.C. Plasket originally opened in the building August 1909 as the Electric Theatre for a 45-year run of films in the small town.