Fischer Theater
158 N. Vermillion Street,
Danville,
IL
61832
158 N. Vermillion Street,
Danville,
IL
61832
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Exterior photo of the Fischer Theatre.
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Auditorium
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Status should be Closed/Renovating/Restoring
A 2/4 Robert-Morton was installed in the theatre in 1929.
Sorry about the incorrect link. This should be the right link to the photo.
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As the Grand Opera House, this theater is listed under Danville IL in the 1897-98 edition of the Julius Cahn Official Theatrical Guide. A.W. Heinly was Mgr., and the seating capacity was 1,000. The theater was on the first floor, had both gas and electric illumination and ticket prices ranging from 25 cents to $1. The proscenium opening was 32 feet square, and the stage was 40 feet deep. There were 7 members of the house orchestra. There were 3 daily newspapers and one German weekly. The hotel for show folk was the Aetna House, and the railroad was the Chicago & Eastern Illinois. The 1897 population of Danville was 18,000.
The link above is the Lorraine Theatre in Hoopeston (20 miles or so north of Danville). Here are some links to my pictures of the Fischer:
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2009 photo of the Fisc her Theatre.
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There’s an extra L in Vermilion, in the title, so it doesn’t map correctly.
Here are some 1983 photos:
http://tinyurl.com/d6d8kf
http://tinyurl.com/dkyn2g
http://tinyurl.com/dclm7w
This is a 2009 photo.
A 1996 view of the Fischer Theater in Danville here and here. An enlarged view here and here.
Someone mentioned seeing a Robert-Morton theater organ in this theater. Well, a Robert-Morton theater organ size 2/4 was installed in the Fischer Theater but no date is given. I assume that it replaced the Barton theater organ.
A Barton theater organ size 2/6 was installed in the Fischer Theater in 1924. Note: Two ranks added to a 2/4 Robert-Morton.
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001
Fischer Theater (added 2001 – Building – #01000978)
Also known as Grand Opera House
158-164 N. Vermillion St., Danville
Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Lewis, Charles M.
Architectural Style: Colonial Revival, Early Commercial
Area of Significance: Architecture, Entertainment/Recreation
Period of Significance: 1900-1924, 1925-1949, 1950-1974
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade, Domestic, Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Business, Department Store, Hotel, Music Facility, Theater
Current Function: Vacant/Not In Use
Clear icicle lights hang from the Fischer Theatre, celebrating the holiday season.
But the lights remain off inside, and the theater remains closed as city officials and arts supporters look at how to keep the building viable.
The Danville City Council is expected to act on an agreement this month to take over ownership from the Vermilion Heritage Foundation, which oversees the Fischer.
Click on link to see my slide show of pictures taken December 23rd, 2006.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlgAugvt3qE
Hey that’s pretty sweet. Nice job on the marquee!
Here is another photo:
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There is a photo of the Fischer Theater here:
http://www.allarounddanville.com/home/fischer1.JPG
I was in the Fischer in 1979, passing through town, A friend and I talked our way in. Nice small town theatre. 2 manual Robert Morton theatre pipe organ was still there, We did not see the chambers to know if it was complete.
Donated seats have been added. Major work was done on stage lighting to accomodate live performances. The lobby has been restored, with work still to be done on the tile floor. Open from ~8:00 to ~5:00 for the summer during the week. More exterior, interior views available on website.
The address for the Fisher Theatre AKA Grand Opera House is 162 Vermillion, Danville, Il.