Vogue Theatre

135 S. Washington Street,
Remsen, IA 51050

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Functions: Restaurant

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Vogue Theatre

This theatre was located in the Duster Block, a large, very plain, two story yellow brick commercial block constructed by Tony Duster to replace several businesses he had lost in a disastrous July 4, 1936 fire that destroyed most of this end of town.

The Vogue Theatre was opened on September 17, 1937 with Stewart Erwin in “Dance, Charlie Dance. It was almost certainly planned from the start, since this section of the rear of the building is taller than the rest, and lacks windows. By 1946, if not before, it was operated by Mr. and Mrs. Allan Banks.

The Vogue Theatre was closed on March 3, 1973. It briefly reopened on April 5, 1974 and finally closed on January 8, 1975 with Les Biegel in “Wonder of It All”. This section of the building has been ‘remuddled’ a few times, and is currently the location of a pizza restaurant. The building has been redone recently, and looks to be in good shape, although it has lost some character.

Contributed by Seth Gaines

Recent comments (view all 4 comments)

50sSNIPES
50sSNIPES on January 9, 2024 at 12:27 pm

Allan Banks opened his 325-seat Vogue Theatre on September 17, 1937 with Stuart Erwin in “Dance, Charlie, Dance” (unclear if any short subjects were added).

During its later heyday, the Vogue was once operated by Jim Heldsech. Heldsech closed the Vogue on March 3, 1973 and the theater sat abandoned for 13 months due to renovation. The Vogue reopened on April 5, 1974, but this didn’t last long at all.

The Vogue closed for the final time on January 8, 1975 with “Wonder Of It All”, and the marquee was removed in April 1980.

SethG
SethG on January 9, 2024 at 12:42 pm

Thanks for firming up the dates!

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on January 9, 2024 at 7:30 pm

The Vogue’s last hurrah was sponsored by the Remsen Chamber of Commerce, according to the March 25, 1974 issue of Boxoffice, which noted the organization’s “[e]xtensive renovation, remodeling, and reseating….” then underway the house. A definite reopening date was to be announced soon.

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