State Theatre
812 Avenue G,
Fort Madison,
IA
52627
812 Avenue G,
Fort Madison,
IA
52627
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The Orpheum Theatre opened in 1913. It was later operated by Fox Theatres (Wesco Corp.). Later operated by Fox Midwest Division. The theatre closed sometime in the mid-1950’s. Seating was listed at 631.
Contributed by
Chuck
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Recent comments (view all 4 comments)
This was also known as the Crown Theatre at one time.
The Orpheum Theatre in Fort Madison, Iowa was built in 1913 as a part of the Orpheum Vaudeville circuit. By 1930 it had been modified into a dual-purpose facility, showing both motion pictures and live acts. It operated continuously under the Orpheum name until 1946. It was renamed the Crown Theatre briefly, and then in 1949 it was remodeled and re-opened as the State Theater. In 1983, the State Theater closed its doors forever. Over the next few years, the structure deteriorated rapidly due to lack of maintenance, and in 1998-9, a wrecking ball put an end to it. The site of the Orpheum is now an empty lot.
So the Header should read State Theatre with an AKA Orpheum, Crown Theatre.
Here is an american classic photo showing the State Theatre across and down from the Fox Theatre (The Fox just currently re-opened).
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My Mom lived in Fort Madison, Iowa during the 1940’s-early 1950’s. An avid moviegoer, she mentioned the Orpheum frequently. Thanks for the information about it.