Al Ringling Theatre

Recently, the Al Ringling was featured on a TV show for PBS. It was reported that the Al Ringling was one of the earliest theaters in the country that was originally designed with movie capabilities. This was based on analysis of the original Rapp and Rapp blueprints.

It also came out that the Al Ringling, eventhough technically a "movie palace" - too small", was a model for many of the movie palaces of the next 10-20 years.

The building does not nor did it ever have any frescoes or mosaics but rather paintings on canvas done by the G. A. Brand Co. of Chicago. As noted by Dave Wiegers the building was originally designed to be a movie house and play house. An organ was added to the plans during construction. The building owes much to Rapp and Rapp's design for the Orhpeum in Champaign, Illinois which was built the year before. Ringling's larger budget allowed for more ornament. The facade has recently been restored after the remanfacture of dozens of terra cotta pieces. The theatre has an extensive website at www.alringling.com

A vintage photograph of the spectacular auditorium of the Ringling can be found at this link. From the Library of Congress.

Michael, before asking about websites, try reading the comments posted before yours.

The AL RINGLING THEATRE is indeed a wonderful design, but it was never a true movie palace (though it WAS designed for movies, and it IS palatial) as confirmed by the 'Detectives' on that TV show in the autumn of 2003 on PBS, when they visited THE authority on theatres and movie palaces in the USA: The Theatre Historical Society of America in Elmhurst, ILL., which has since 1969 documented the facts of the theatres of our nation. That Society also produced in 1990 a 24-page ANNUAL of the theatre, with dozens of vintage b/w photos taken at opening. It was a favorite of the Editor Emeritus of their Marquee magazine, the late (B.) John (Andrew Corsini) Fowler, who thought that of the thousands of theatres he studied, this was perhaps the seed of the idea of the movie palace, if not actually a realization of that archetype to come. The Society has a tape copy of that show, as well as much other documentation of the RINGLING.

PHOTOS AVAILABLE:
To obtain any available Back Issue of either "Marquee" or of its ANNUALS, simply go to the web site of the THEATRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA at:
www.HistoricTheatres.org
and notice on their first page the link "PUBLICATIONS: Back Issues List" and click on that and you will be taken to their listing where they also give ordering details. The "Marquee" magazine is 8-1/2x11 inches tall ('portrait') format, and the ANNUALS are also soft cover in the same size, but in the long ('landscape') format, and are anywhere from 26 to 40 pages. Should they indicate that a publication is Out Of Print, then it may still be possible to view it via Inter-Library Loan where you go to the librarian at any public or school library and ask them to locate which library has the item by using the Union List of Serials, and your library can then ask the other library to loan it to them for you to read or photocopy. [Photocopies of most THSA publications are available from University Microforms International (UMI), but their prices are exorbitant.]

Note: Most any photo in any of their publications may be had in large size by purchase; see their ARCHIVE link. You should realize that there was no color still photography in the 1920s, so few theatres were seen in color at that time except by means of hand tinted renderings or post cards, thus all the antique photos from the Society will be in black and white, but it is quite possible that the Society has later color images available; it is best to inquire of them.

Should you not be able to contact them via their web site, you may also contact their Executive Director via E-mail at: execdir@historictheatres.org
Or you may reach them via phone or snail mail at:
Theatre Historical Soc. of America
152 N. York, 2nd Floor York Theatre Bldg.
Elmhurst, ILL. 60126-2806 (they are about 15 miles west of Chicago)

Phone: 630-782-1800 or via FAX at: 630-782-1802 (Monday through Friday, 9AM--4PM, CT)

Was the AL RINGLING theatre the very **first** movie palace? That was the question asked of the "History Detectives" TV show in the autumn of 2003 (alluded to in the first Comment here), but an earlier TV program led one to believe that The NEW AMSTERDAM theatre of New York city was the first. In the VHS video "America's Castles: Movie Palaces" produced in the year 2000, detailed at Amazon.com: ( http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0767015363/qid%3D1088697989/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/002-8565079-4721607 ), several theatres are shown as examples of the American movie palace, and the impression is given that it was the NEW AMSTERDAM that was the first. Contrary to this idea (which suited the aims of the producers of this originally cable-TV program), the idea of what was the very first Movie Palace will depend upon just how one defines that phenomenon. When the producers of the 2003 PBS TV series "History Detectives" (viewable as a PDF file at: http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/case/midwest.html ) were asked if the AL RINGLING THEATRE in Baraboo, Wis. was the very first movie palace, they turned to the nationally recognized authority on the subject for the answer: The Theatre Historical Soc. of America ( www.HistoricTheatres.org ) and asked their Ex. Dir. what the Society's standard was. Ex. Dir. Richard Sklenar replied that for a theatre to have been a movie palace it had to have been (1) built as a movie theatre, (2) have a workable stage, and (3) have more than 1,000 seats. By that composite standard neither the NEW AMSTERDAM nor the AL RINGLING qualify, and they determined that the CAPITOL THEATRE of New York City in 1919 was the first. Therefore, while the NEW AMSTERDAM did show movies for part of its life, it could not be called a "movie palace" by the usual and customary definition of the term, even if it is shown in a commercially produced video on the subject. Since the RINGLING'S seating is only 800, that would disqualify it on that basis alone, but its palatial decor was not lost on the Balaban&Katz theatre chain of Chicago when they were invited to see the RINGLING and were inspired by it to the extent of hiring its architects, Rapp&Rapp of Chicago, to do their forthcoming movie palaces, starting with the CHICAGO in 1921, followed by a great many others throughout the nation.

I forgot to include the fact that the RINGLING's web site is: http://www.alringling.com/

Jim - using the Theatre Historical Society's definition of movie palace that you presented, I would think that the Riveria in Chicago(and perhaps others) would be ahead of the Capitol in New York. As you probably know, the Riviera opened in 1918, and had over 2000 seats, and showed movies from the get-go. Chicago's Central Park Theatre might also qualify, though I'm not sure about its stage capabilities. Certainly the Riviera had a workable stage. So I don't believe New York's Capitol to be the first movie palace. Not if the minimuim seating requirement is 1000.

Hello, Scott: You noticed that I merely quoted the Society; I didn't say I agreed with it. You could well be right, since Warren and others agree with you that there were other palaces antedating the CAPITOL that would qualify, and it is possible that the Chicago RIVIERA would be a likely contender for the honor, but I guess it all depends upon just how ornate in a thematic fashion it was originally. Rich Sklenar, Ex. Dir. of THSA, didn't make that entirely clear on the "History Detectives" show in the time allotted, but I believe that he was thinking of a 'theme' being evident in a true movie palace, as opposed to merely greater ornament than a legit theatre. True, the Adam or Neoclassical themes are sometimes so mild as to not really be thought of as true 'themes' but evidently he or the Society feels that it is enough in the case of the CAPITOL in NYC to combine with its multi-thousand seat size so as to qualify. I guess you would have to ask him about it at his E-mail on the front page of their web site: www.HistoricTheatres.org Jim. P.S. I also note that while you do not give any contact information on your Members page, you do list the exotic CORONADO among your favorite theatres, as do I on my page. It is a ost wonderful melange of styles and delights, even down to the little niches in the walls under the balcony filled with illuminated glass flowers. I treasure such attention to detail and the extremes of scale in decor, don't you?

Jim, I think it just shows that the movie palace as we know it today evolved, and didn't really start with a particular theatre. Every theatre you could possibly claim to be the first palace could be traced to something before it. That's why I would lean toward the Ringling as being the first, because, although it's on a smaller scale, it most resembles what we think of today as a movie palace, and, at the time, was the most radical departure in movie presentation (at least that I know of). The Capitol in New York had many similar antecedents, and I don't see it as ground breaking, though it was certainly beautiful and ornate.

By the way, I do indeed admire the Coronado. You and I traded comments on the Coronado page on this site. I grew up going to the Coronado, and I think it's as magical a place as any I've been in. Especially during it's movie-showing years. It doesn't have quite the same feel anymore, but it is still gorgeous.

I just recently found this cinema website and can't seem to get enough of it as so much great information about theaters is on it! Thanks to whomever started it though I do wish there were photos for each theater listed, but realize this is impossible. I would love to see the Ringling Theater someday!

After checking out www.alringling.com this theatre will be on my MUST-SEE list! What a treasure!

My only visit to the Al Ringling Theater was in 1964 as I was passing through on business. I stopped for the night and saw an odd double bill of Kubrick's "Dr Strangelove" and Hammer's "Evil of Frankenstein" along with some shorts and a newsreel (made for a long evening.) However I do recall the sleeping grandeur of the theater itself. It was in need of some careful renovation and I secretly hoped that someday it would be done. I'm happy to hear that much has been accomplished since those days.

I did notice that the theater had opted for a one-size-fits-all screen which many theaters of that era did. The shape of the screen was 2:1, width being twice the height. It fit the proscenium well, but this meant that all projected images would have been "formatted to fit the screen" (as they say on videos these days.) Cinemascope films would have their left and right edges clipped, while standard films had the tops and bottoms lopped off, approximating the 1.85:1 desired ratio.

I'd like to return someday to see what they've done to restore the theater.

I recently toured the theatre (they offer several). It was incredibly informative and included a tour of the backstage area and a demonstration of the organ. The theatre was originally built not strictly as a movie house, but as a Vaudeville house. You can still see first-run shows there at a discounted price and enjoy popcorn made in a machine that's been in use since the 1940's!

ChicagoDan: Great review of a great theatre with lots of history and, of course, the Ringling name! And the fact that it is associated with the names Rapp and Rapp doesn't hurt either!

Just revisited the official website for this theatre and was WOW-ed again!

http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/hhh.wi0059 is the HABS/HAER entry for the Ringling

Brian: Thanks for the above site with photos. I've been to Sarasota FL and toured the Ringling Estate which is a MUST-SEE for anyone who is interested in the Ringling name and all that it represents.

I was in Baraboo back in the 80's. There was a second vintage movie theatre building near the Ringling. It didn't look nearly as ornamental. This is the web site's only Baraboo entry. Maybe the great Wisconsin authority Jim Rankin has some idea of what this place was?

Life's Too Short, the 1945 Film Daily Yearbook lists a 407-seat Juliar Theatre also in operation along with the Al Ringling. A photo of the Juliar from 1956 can be seen here.

I found a blurb on the Sauk County Historical Society's website about the Juliar Theatre being demolished in 1994 to make way for the West Square Building, 505 Broadway, Baraboo, WI.

Bryan: you are the man. That's the building I saw. I also recall that it was on Broadway. My gut says that it was closed at the time, carried "1 & 2" on the marquee and had a different name.

I have nothing to add to the kind entries by the other 'authorities' here. Of course, one could message the Ringling management directly through their web site, and no doubt they would quickly tell you what you need to know. I live over 100 miles away, so have no direct knowledge.

The Juliar Theatre was built about 1938 by Henry Ringling, Al. Ringling's nephew, and the owner of the Al. Ringling Theatre at that time. The name comes from the maiden name of the Ringling Brothers mother, Salome Juliar Ringling. As a trivia note, their were two other Juliar sisters, one whom married a Gollmar and had several boys (whom also went on to create a circus) and one whom married a Moeller and had two boys which made circus wagons with their father. The Juliar Theatre was a sparsely decorated Art Deco box which provided programming alternatives to the Al. Ringling Theatre. The Juliar Theatre was heavily used when only a few years after it opened the massive Badger Ordnance Works opened just south of Baraboo eventually employing 13,000 people. I'm not sure when the theatre went out of use but as long as I can remember (back to the 70's) it was never open, but the name always remained on the ouside of the building. (the sign is now owned by Juliar family members) It was indeed demolished to make way for the West Square Building in 1994. I can provide a picture if someone wants to include a listing here on Cinema Treasures. Just contact me.

Thanks, Paul Wolter

Here is a photo from 1915:
http://tinyurl.com/s486l

Same theater, 35 years later:
http://tinyurl.com/n5bhb

ken mc: Wonderful photos of a beautifully built theatre with the Ringling name. I've tour the Ringling home in Sarasota FL and it is quite the estate on Tampa Bay.

I live about 20 miles from Baraboo, and I visit the Ringling fairly often. The bulk of its programming today is first-run movies, and they also do stage shows and musical presentations as well. On occasion, they also do free screenings of older films, with a collection being taken up for local food pantries & charities. Early in November, the Baraboo Theatre Guild will be performing Lerner & Loewe's CAMELOT on the Ringling stage; I have my ticket already and it will be GREAT!

There is a 3/9 Barton organ that was installed here in 1928. The organ was completely repaired and restored in the 1970s and remains in great playing condition. The organ is not used very much today, other than for a demonstration during daily theatre tours. A couple of years ago (4/1/04) the theatre did a presentation of some Charlie Chaplin silents with Dennis James accompanying at the organ. I can confidently say that was the most magical movie experience I have ever had.

Although I have been to the Ringling MANY times, every time I enter the auditorium today (usually at Aisle 1), I continue to be held in awe of the place, as though I were seeing it for the first time. It's that powerful. Although visibly in need of an interior restoration (exterior work was completed a few years ago), that does not distract from the spectacle that is the Al Ringling Theatre. The theatre has remained in constant use since opening night in November 1915, and the place has not been significantly altered since. The only changes that come to mind over the years are modern motion picture and sound/lighting equipment, the marquee (installed decades ago, but is not original to the theatre), and the installation in 1928 of the present Barton organ, which replaced the original 1915 Wurlitzer. Even the popcorn machine in the Lobby concession stand is 1940s vintage and still in use--and they still use real butter on their popcorn!

Anyone planning a vacation to the Wisconsin Dells area MUST make a stop at the Ringling a part of their itinerary.

Here is a recent photo of the Al Ringling Theater.

WurliTzer Theatre Pipe Organ, Opus 29, a 2 manual/6 rank, was shipped to the Fremont Theatre in Oakland, California on December 31, 1913. It was reposessed by the WurliTizer company, rebuilt as Opus 70 and shipped to the Al. Ringling Theatre around 1915.
In about 1928 the Ringling Theatre bought a 3 manual/9 rank, Mighty Golden-voiced Barton Organ. This made sense because Dan Barton had toured in 1909, with the Ringling Brothers Circus. In fact, the organ console style used in this theatre, and many other installations, is referred to as the "circus wagon," because of its lavish use of carvings and the red and gold coloring. Another good reason was that Barton's were made in Oshkosh, Wisconsin only 70 miles away and WurliTizer's were made in North Tonawanda, New York about 550 miles away.
By the late 1960's the Barton had gradually fallen into desrepair so that it was barely usable. In the early 1970's, a group of dedicated volunteers began restoring the instrument to its original glory. They emptied dust from the pipes, patched and replaced the miles and miles of wiring, and cleaned off the grime from 30 years of coal heat. The Barton is now in excellent playing condition.
The WurliTizer, minus the percussion and sound effects went to a church in Baraboo where it was used until around 1970. I don't know what happened to the WurliTizer after that.

Russell Phillips Photo:

Al Ringling Auditorium Panorama

Brian: Absolutely beautiful!

Added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1976

Ringling, Al, Theatre *** (added 1976 - Building - #76000202)
136 4th Ave., Baraboo
Historic Significance: Person, Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Rapp,George L., Rapp,C.W.
Architectural Style: Beaux Arts
Historic Person: Ringling,Albrecht C.
Significant Year: 1915
Area of Significance: Entertainment/Recreation, Architecture
Period of Significance: 1900-1924
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Theater
Current Function: Recreation And Culture
Current Sub-function: Theater

Dear "Lost Memory"

Are you related to the Rapps? Do you have a list of early Rapp and Rapp theatres? I would like to hear from you.

Thanks Paul Wolter

To the best of my knowledge, I'm not related to the famous Rapp family. You can find some of the theaters designed by Rapp and Rapp by going to the top of this page and clicking on "Rapp & Rapp" next to the word "Firm".

Here is another postcard view of the Al Ringling Theater.

Some papers concerning the Al. Ringling Theatre recently uncovered include a statement of cost from C.W. and Geo. L. Rapp to Al. Ringling. The theatre cost $100,422.79 including all of the extras (like the organ) and the architects' traveling expenses.

There is a gorgeous new full color souvenir book for the theatre available. Contact information for the theatre is at www.alringling.com

Here is the Al Ringling Theater at night.

Lost Memory: What a wonderful evening photo of a wonderful theatre with a wonderful name...Ringling. BTW, the Ringling home and grounds in Sarasota FL are a must-see!

This is a nice recent close-up view of the Al Ringling Theater.

Lost Memory: GREAT PHOTO!

Photos of the Al Ringling Theater can be seen here.

This is the Al Ringling Theater from another angle.

What a beautiful theatre! I am glad it is being maintained so well.

Lost Memory: Your "another angle" photo is spectacular! Thanks for sharing...again!

Here is a nice photo from June 2008.

If ever there was a theatre entrance, this is it with the famous name high above.....Al Ringling! A must-see, in person, someday!

This is an August 2008 photo.

And here is one from October.

1981 Photo

1981 Photo

1984 Photo

These are 1986 interior photos:

Photo1

Photo2

Photo3

This photo is from July 2008.