Palace Theatre
791 Broadway,
Gary,
IN
46402
791 Broadway,
Gary,
IN
46402
16 people
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Showing 101 - 104 of 104 comments
What a sad end, this place must have been great at one time. The painted curtain actually looks in good shape is it? Also what was Jeckyl and Hyde on the marquee referring to?
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This place looks like it feel into bad disrepair, such a shame.
I believe it is slated for demolition
The Palace specialized in first run films for the Northwest Indiana area after they played their engagements in Chicago. Usually the first run film was doubled with a second, more grade b movie. I can remember a science fiction grade z film playing on a double bill with “Bonnie and Clyde”. As the area declined in the 60’s the theater became less safe and the crowds stopped coming. In 1972 a young woman was attacked in the ladies room and the Palace closed its doors that night. It seems to me they tried to reopen it in the early 80’s to little success. The theatre still stands on Broadway decaying away.
I attended this theatre in the 50’s and 60’s. And have kept track of it over the years. Very sadly, it is a mess. The city of Gary tried to fix up the marquee at one time, but it is again looking very shabby. The city also padlocked the front doors at least several times, but every time the lock was broken off. As of 14 September 2002 the balcony rear exit fire door to escape stairs has been forced open, and on ground level the exit door off auditorium totally broken away. One can clearly see inside the huge auditorium, though very dark.
There is debris covering all the decaying seats, though most are still there.
The auditorium is HUGE, and to my understanding, including very large balcony, there were 3,000 seats.
A giant pipe organ was used at least into the early 60’s, and there were special stage shows from time to time in addition to the movies. During kids morning shows I remember glass slide sing-a-longs with organ music played live.
The Palace was the only theatre in Gary to be equipped with 4 track mag sound.
Operated by the chain Y&W (Young & Wolfe).
If anyone can shed more light on the Palace and/or Y&W chain, please contact me at