Crump Theatre

In a building dating to 1874, John Crump opened his Opera House in 1889. In 1914, the first movies were shown, and not long afterwards, the Opera House was renamed the Crump Theatre.

In 1934, seating was increased when the orchestra pit was removed, and the same year, the Crump Theatre was nearly renamed the ‘Ritz’.

The Crump Theatre underwent a thorough renovation in 1941, to the plans of architect Alden Meranda. It was redesigned in Art Moderne style, including its dramatic facade, with its two-story tall vertical marquee, illuminated by chaser lights.

The Crump Theatre remained popular for decades, until declining ticket sales forced the theater to close in 1987. That year, the old theater came close to being demolished, but fortunately was spared.

Since 2001, the Crump Theatre has been undergoing a restoration project, with the facade’s repairs completed by late-2001, it’s marquee lit up for the first time in many years during that year’s holiday season.

More information about the Crump Theatre can be found at the Heritage Fund Community Foundation (812) 376-7772

Recent comments (view all 32 comments)

lostmemory on April 13, 2009 at 10:59 am

Another photo of the Crump is here.

lostmemory on April 22, 2009 at 4:18 pm

1976 Photo

1985 Photo

1986 Photo

Chuck1231 on December 27, 2009 at 1:46 pm

Some 2009 photos of the Crump Theatre courtesy Alan C.

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CSWalczak on January 10, 2010 at 3:38 pm

There’s a history of the Crump on this blog page: View link

TLSLOEWS on February 17, 2010 at 12:48 pm

Nice big marquee at the Crump.

Aerinea on May 31, 2010 at 9:33 pm

I took these pictures today: View link

TLSLOEWS on May 31, 2010 at 9:59 pm

Nice photos of The CRUMP Aerinea.

Bill Eichelberger on October 23, 2010 at 11:54 am

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyum/5106682486/
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jteaford06 on November 17, 2010 at 2:44 pm

Over the past year, the theatre has been used for theatrical productions, country music shows, and heavy metal shows, as well as private functions such as being rented out by paranormal investigation groups. The current seating capacity of the theatre is 602. Much of the theatre has been or is in the process of being restored. The theatre has held between 20-50 events per year over the past three years.

Mike Rogers on November 17, 2010 at 4:16 pm

Love the marquee,thanks for the update jteafordd06.