Al Ringling Theatre

(January 16, 1953) Two Baraboo Theaters Sold to New Milwaukee Company

The Al Ringling theater, “America’s Prettiest Playhouse” since 1915, has been sold with its sister theater, the Juliar, to a new Milwaukee corporation, Baraboo Theaters, Inc., by Henry E. Ringllng.
Purchase price for the theaters was announced at more than $150,000. The Al Ringling theater, when it was completed in 1915, cost $100,000.
The corporation which bought the theaters also operates theaters in Richland Center, Boscobel, Elroy, and Black River Falls. It is headed by Jacob Eskin, president of the Eskin Theater Management Co., Milwaukee.
The Al Ringling theater was built by Albert Ringling, an owner of the Ringling Brothers circus. It seats 834, and at the time it was built was one of the largest and finest theaters in a city of its size in the country.
The Juliar, a much smaller theater, was completed in 1938 by Henry E. Ringling, in memory of Mrs. Selome Juliar Ringling, mother of the Ringling brothers.
The Al Ringling theatre originally was built for legitimate theatre, or as an “opera house.” It was converted to a movie theater later. It is still used for area theatrical performances.
Famous actors who have visited the theater during the time it was an opera house include Lionel Barrymore and Charlotte Greenwood.
Henry E. Ringling, Wisconsin Republican national committeeman, was in Washington for the inauguration Thursday and could not be reached for comment.

2009 photo of the Ringling Theatre.
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November 2008 photo of the Ringling Theatre.
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This photo is from July 2008.

And here is one from October.

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

Lost Memory: Your “another angle” photo is spectacular! Thanks for sharing…again!

This is the Al Ringling Theater from another angle.

Lost Memory: GREAT PHOTO!

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!

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 another postcard view of the Al Ringling Theater.