Bill of South Bend: My exact thoughts and such a sad commentary in regards to the local mentality! They must feel that this country truly needs another quintessential parking lot! Wake up America! I’ve been to Mishawaka, but probably won’t ever visit again in light of this hard to believe sad cinema news story!
“Sadly, after a valiant struggle since the early 90s to save the Tivoli by several groups, the theater was razed in February 2005, to clear the site for future redevelopment.” Such a sad statement!
Bryan: Not the cinema news that I wanted to read first thing this a.m.! I recall being in the City of Mishawawka, Indiana several summers ago while visiting Notre Dame and other local sights and since I wasn’t ‘into old theatres’ then I completely missed seeing this theatre that is only a memory now! :–((
Steve: I don’t know if you have ever visited another cinema site that features some theatres in Maine that might be of interest to you and close to your location in the State. The website address is as follows:
Don: Thanks for suggesting the 1891 Fredonia Opera House as that would be a wonderful theatre to feature on Blue Print having been there, myself, to see the magnificent restoration in Fredonia NY which is close to Jamestown’s Reg Lenna and Erie’s Warner Theatre.
My theatre suggestion is the Reg Lenna Theatre in Jamestown NY along the shores of beautiful Chautauqua Lake which was mentioned in several I Love Lucy episodes. It was the Palace Theatre when Lucille Ball first graced that theatre’s stage as a young girl before heading to NYC to model and then onto Hollywood. In 1956, she and her husband, Desi Arnaz returned to her hometown theatre for the debut of Forever Darling! Also, the Warner Theatre in Erie PA which has been restored to its former grandeur and beauty.
Judging from the response I think the History Channel will get all they need and more to put together some great theatre restoration episodes which can’t help but stir up interest in these treasures across the country. One thing for sure is that it will make some of these communities who are thinking about demolishing their threatres to think twice about their decision!
mattepntr: Ditto your thoughts! We have a neglected and decaying old movie theatre here in Charlotte that I’m sure has a ghost(s) or a soul. Though I can’t say I’ve ever been in a theatre at 3 in the morning, I would imagine that one could easily have “some pretty freaky feelings”. If Mr. King is listening or reading, he might write his next novel in and around a movie theatre plot as you suggest! I’m sure the general thought is that old abandoned theatres are probably haunted.
steiner: I sure enjoyed chatting with your father about theatres in the Erie PA area and look forward to meeting him this summer and seeing his theatre scrapbook!
stevepatrick: You are quite welcome and I wish you the very best on your upcoming trip to Chicagoland! Amazing how a couple of emails can make a difference! And if I find myself in St. Charles in June with my hubby and if you are living there by then, I will most definitely want to meet you!
Thanks for the Bush information and since there are 2 pages devoted to the Arcada Theatre this one and the official #63 Arcada Theatre page I try to keep up on both Cinema Treasures pages so this theatre is in need of concern, support and TLC.
stevepatrick: The following is a recent email that I rec’d from someone named Matt at the Arcada Theatre and it is definitely for YOUR EYES!
Hello Patsy, I see your interested in the Arcada Theater. The current people that ran the theater do not own the building and rent it. They can no longer afford the huge rent payments to the landlord and is not there choice what happens to the theater now. Todd Smith was the person running the theater and wish he could keep it going. I have rented out the theater twice last year to do a silent film show and the turn out was slim, around 100 people. We couldn’t understand why we couldn’t get more people out and personally I lost much money putting on the show. I love this theater and hate to see it go. The building owner I heard lives out of state I hear and that is who you should contact. I could put you in touch with Todd Smith if you wish to talk to him and don’t put the blame on him. Regards, Matt
You have a great sense of humor and wonderful writing style which I’ve told I have also, but then again a family member got her degree in journalism and works for USDA/Radio in D.C. I’ll keep you posted on anything theatre related that comes across my desk in regards to the Arcada since my hubby travels to St. Charles each and every June for a Corvette show….Bloomington Gold held at Pheasant Run Resort. I have never accompanied him to this Illinois town, but have been told that it is very quaint and just a lovely community with lots of culture and only an hour west of Chicago. If I ever did go with him, I’d take it all in and try to get tickets for an Oprah taping. Your description about Kennebunkport was cute i.e. culture and yogurt! Must ask…..have you ever seen the Presidential family?
Arcada Theatre
The following came off the www.visitstcharles.com site about the Arcada Theater………..
105 E. Main Street | St. Charles, IL 60174 | (630) 845-8900
Beautifully restored 1926 theater showing recent films,special presentations, and live in a beautiful setting. LIVE Entertainment nearly every week with special concerts! Bookmark the Arcada’s web site for all the latest! Presenting “At the BREWvies” – select movie times for age 21+ where alcohol is available. The pipe organ is played before the early movies on Friday and Saturday, and there is also live entertainment scheduled. Call or visit the Arcada web site link for details. www.arcadatheatre.comwww.arcadatheater.com
Bill of South Bend: My exact thoughts and such a sad commentary in regards to the local mentality! They must feel that this country truly needs another quintessential parking lot! Wake up America! I’ve been to Mishawaka, but probably won’t ever visit again in light of this hard to believe sad cinema news story!
“Sadly, after a valiant struggle since the early 90s to save the Tivoli by several groups, the theater was razed in February 2005, to clear the site for future redevelopment.” Such a sad statement!
Bryan: Not the cinema news that I wanted to read first thing this a.m.! I recall being in the City of Mishawawka, Indiana several summers ago while visiting Notre Dame and other local sights and since I wasn’t ‘into old theatres’ then I completely missed seeing this theatre that is only a memory now! :–((
The other cinema site that has equally broadened my cinema research and love of old theatres by State is as follows:
http://www.historictheatres.org/
Steve: I don’t know if you have ever visited another cinema site that features some theatres in Maine that might be of interest to you and close to your location in the State. The website address is as follows:
View link
Don: Thanks for suggesting the 1891 Fredonia Opera House as that would be a wonderful theatre to feature on Blue Print having been there, myself, to see the magnificent restoration in Fredonia NY which is close to Jamestown’s Reg Lenna and Erie’s Warner Theatre.
My theatre suggestion is the Reg Lenna Theatre in Jamestown NY along the shores of beautiful Chautauqua Lake which was mentioned in several I Love Lucy episodes. It was the Palace Theatre when Lucille Ball first graced that theatre’s stage as a young girl before heading to NYC to model and then onto Hollywood. In 1956, she and her husband, Desi Arnaz returned to her hometown theatre for the debut of Forever Darling! Also, the Warner Theatre in Erie PA which has been restored to its former grandeur and beauty.
Judging from the response I think the History Channel will get all they need and more to put together some great theatre restoration episodes which can’t help but stir up interest in these treasures across the country. One thing for sure is that it will make some of these communities who are thinking about demolishing their threatres to think twice about their decision!
Mike Cohen: I sure hope the History Channel includes the Tennessee Theater in Knoxville as I’ll be watching the theatre show(s) that are planned!
THIS is the kind of theatre news we all like to read! Congratulations!
mattepntr: Ditto your thoughts! We have a neglected and decaying old movie theatre here in Charlotte that I’m sure has a ghost(s) or a soul. Though I can’t say I’ve ever been in a theatre at 3 in the morning, I would imagine that one could easily have “some pretty freaky feelings”. If Mr. King is listening or reading, he might write his next novel in and around a movie theatre plot as you suggest! I’m sure the general thought is that old abandoned theatres are probably haunted.
steiner: I sure enjoyed chatting with your father about theatres in the Erie PA area and look forward to meeting him this summer and seeing his theatre scrapbook!
Upon your return from Chicago I will be interested to know what did or didn’t develop in regards to the Arcada! My fingers will be crossed!
stevepatrick: You are quite welcome and I wish you the very best on your upcoming trip to Chicagoland! Amazing how a couple of emails can make a difference! And if I find myself in St. Charles in June with my hubby and if you are living there by then, I will most definitely want to meet you!
Be sure to read the email from Matt/Arcada Theatre on the official Arcada Theatre page!
Thanks for the Bush information and since there are 2 pages devoted to the Arcada Theatre this one and the official #63 Arcada Theatre page I try to keep up on both Cinema Treasures pages so this theatre is in need of concern, support and TLC.
Interesting to read that the building owner lives out of state so may not be as ‘involved’ as St. Charles residents. Good luck and keep us updated!
The email address to contact Matt and eventually Todd is as follows:
stevepatrick: The following is a recent email that I rec’d from someone named Matt at the Arcada Theatre and it is definitely for YOUR EYES!
Hello Patsy, I see your interested in the Arcada Theater. The current people that ran the theater do not own the building and rent it. They can no longer afford the huge rent payments to the landlord and is not there choice what happens to the theater now. Todd Smith was the person running the theater and wish he could keep it going. I have rented out the theater twice last year to do a silent film show and the turn out was slim, around 100 people. We couldn’t understand why we couldn’t get more people out and personally I lost much money putting on the show. I love this theater and hate to see it go. The building owner I heard lives out of state I hear and that is who you should contact. I could put you in touch with Todd Smith if you wish to talk to him and don’t put the blame on him. Regards, Matt
StarrBar: Congratulations on your plans to be married on the grand stage! What a neat idea and best wishes to you and your bride!
Congratulations to the folks of Danville VA in restoring the North Theatre for future generations!
And yes a BIG thank you to Bryan Krefft for bringing the Arcada to our immediate attention!
You have a great sense of humor and wonderful writing style which I’ve told I have also, but then again a family member got her degree in journalism and works for USDA/Radio in D.C. I’ll keep you posted on anything theatre related that comes across my desk in regards to the Arcada since my hubby travels to St. Charles each and every June for a Corvette show….Bloomington Gold held at Pheasant Run Resort. I have never accompanied him to this Illinois town, but have been told that it is very quaint and just a lovely community with lots of culture and only an hour west of Chicago. If I ever did go with him, I’d take it all in and try to get tickets for an Oprah taping. Your description about Kennebunkport was cute i.e. culture and yogurt! Must ask…..have you ever seen the Presidential family?
Arcada Theatre
The following came off the www.visitstcharles.com site about the Arcada Theater………..
105 E. Main Street | St. Charles, IL 60174 | (630) 845-8900
Beautifully restored 1926 theater showing recent films,special presentations, and live in a beautiful setting. LIVE Entertainment nearly every week with special concerts! Bookmark the Arcada’s web site for all the latest! Presenting “At the BREWvies” – select movie times for age 21+ where alcohol is available. The pipe organ is played before the early movies on Friday and Saturday, and there is also live entertainment scheduled. Call or visit the Arcada web site link for details. www.arcadatheatre.com www.arcadatheater.com
Stevepatrick: BTW, how has your winter been in Kennebunkport Maine?