Ray Theater

2638 E. 75th Street,
Chicago, IL 60649

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Gollos Brothers

Previous Names: Windsor Park Theater

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Ray Theater

Opened in 1914 as the Windsor Park Theater with 543 seats. It was located in the beachfront community of the same name in the South Shore neighborhood, this theater was located near the intersection of 75th Street and Exchange Avenue.

In May 1931 it was remodelled and renamed Ray Theater. The theater operated until the early-1950’s before closing. In 1954, it reopened as a ballroom. The building has since been demolished.

Contributed by Bryan Krefft

Recent comments (view all 6 comments)

kencmcintyre
kencmcintyre on February 19, 2007 at 8:21 am

This article dated 12/29/54 may concern this theater:

Ray Ballroom To Make Bow New Year’s Eve
Former Movie Theater Now Is a Gay and Glamorous Ballroom

New Year’s Eve will mark the debut of Chicago’s newest ballroom, the Ray, which has been converted from a movie theater into a most delightful and charming place where dancing will be presented every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. Opening attraction is Jack Cavan, with his trumpet and his orchestra. Jimmy Featherstone may be the next band to follow. Opening night will have the added excitement and glamor that go with the biggest night of the year, with favors, hats and balloons adding to the fun.

kencmcintyre
kencmcintyre on February 19, 2007 at 8:22 am

An ad on the same page gives the address as 75th & Exchange (2600 East), so it would be the same theater.

Paul Fortini
Paul Fortini on December 2, 2010 at 6:58 am

A 1940s view of the Ray can be found here View link

You have to scroll down to April, 2004.

Paul Fortini
Paul Fortini on December 2, 2010 at 6:59 am

Correction, should be March, 2004.

Broan
Broan on December 1, 2015 at 4:31 pm

Here is a 1915 article about the Windsor Park’s exemplary projection systems.

Broan
Broan on December 1, 2015 at 4:36 pm

Remodeling & Renaming occurred in May 1931.

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