Fern Theatre

At the corner of Robert and Franklin (renamed Loyola Avenue in 1923) streets was the new Fern Theatre. The C-L-10 or “Clio” Streetcar line and the Peters Streetcar both ran within a block of the venue. It missed its first two advertised launches before opening on August 8, 1917 with seating for 900 patrons. The independent, silent era theatre was run by Solomon Peritz and Joseph A. Yochen.

Controversy at the outset as the pair asked for permission to build the theatre only to have the Commission pass Ordinance #4504 within 48 hours prohibiting picture shows and blacksmith shops and oyster shops on Robert Street from St. Charles to Claiborne Street. Tough timing and a lawsuit against the City was enough to right the situation. The venue opened with Theda Bara in “Her Greatest Love” with Polly Moran’s “Cactus Nell” in support with the Bartola Photoplayer accompanying.

The Fern Theatre was downsized from 900 to 750 seats in its only known refresh. They also participated in “Take a Chance Nights” in which mystery screenings were offered in 1925. It remained silent until its closure in 1930. It has since been demolished and an apartment building now stands on the site.

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