Dickinson Theater
120 SE Eighth Avenue,
Topeka,
KS
66603
120 SE Eighth Avenue,
Topeka,
KS
66603
1 person
favorited this theater
Starting out as the Novelty Theatre in 1908, the Dickinson Theater was smaller compared to its sisters The Jayhawk and the Grand. It would start out with vaudeville performers and comedy until the 1920’s, when it became a cinema.
Not much is known or remembered about the inside of the theater, but there was a curtain, the “Dickinson” crest hung from the proscenium, and it had a balcony.
It would remain a popular movie theater until the 1980’s, when it would suffer from competition by newer multi-plexes being built around the city. This would turn the Dickinson into a discount, or “dollar movie” joint before its permanent closure in 1988. It would remain vacant until 1993, when it was demolished to create a parking lot.
The Dickinson Theater was located on the corner of 8th and Quincy, across from the Topeka Performing Arts center (west of it). It has been said the original crest that adorned the Dickinson’s sign is stored in the Jayhawk State Theatre.
Contributed by
Michael Parsons
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Recent comments (view all 9 comments)
Here is an old pic of the outside of the Dickinson, its entrance and famous “crest” is on the upper lefthand corner
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Okay I went to the Topeka Public Library today, and I got some new and more accurate info. The Dickinson, from the time of closing in 1988, seated 660. Also it had a rather large renovation in 1973, where the stage and proscenium was removed, and a larger screen was set on the wall where the stage used to be. Plus plush reclining seats were added into the balcony.
And as a final comment, the Dickinson started showing second-run dollar movies in 1987. It was also the place where the exorcist ran in Topeka, and got its premiere there. Its longest showing feature was American Graffiti.
1981 photo of the Dickinson Theatre.
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1984 night photo of the Dickinson Theatre.
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1984 Day Photo
1974,Leo Colvin was the manager and was written up for this promtion of “THE FORTUNE” Handing out Fortune cookies with prizes as high as $350.00.Not bad Leo.Boxoffice Sept.1974.
This was the main house that Dickinson operated in Topeka for many many years. Their other theater was the Fairlawn Twin and the Chief and Cloverleaf Drive Ins before acquiring the Mann properties.
An advertisement for Boller Brothers in the July 10, 1926, issue of The Reel Journal listed the Novelty Theatre in Topeka as one of the firm’s works. David and Noelle’s list of known Boller theaters has 1926 and 1944 as the years when the Bollers worked on the Novelty, and also gives the house the aka Crystal Theatre.
The Dickenson Theater was a real beauty inside and out. Yes, the stage area was altered for a larger screen and surround sound etc. I do not live in Topeka, but went there as a kid with relatives when I visited. Why in the world would the arts community of Topeka ever had let this be demolished for a stupid surface parking lot. It would have been a wonderful smaller performing arts venue or playhouse. Stupid is Supid is Stupid is is is.