Liberty Theater

Since Earl Haug listed this theater in 2002 there has been no restoration work done. I talked to him when I was on vacation in Vermillion in 2005 and he seemed very positive about the project at that time. It would now appear that he has closed up his storefront and different people have taken over. I’m afraid that the planned restoration may have been dropped. Anyone have any updated info?

The Liberty may have had only 252 seats when first opened, however the building was enlarged by adding to the back end. Not sure what year, but late 40s or early 50s. Seating after that was 507 in a long narrow auditorium. You can clerly see where the extension to the building started by looking at the outside walls.

This site has a circa 1935 (probably 1936) picture of the Liberty Theater.

Since I’m in California it’s hard to keep up on my Ohio childhood haunts. Does anyone have any updated info on how the restoration is progressing on the Liberty. Thanks

Yes, the rail line runs behind the theatre building. I don’t remember hearing any trains, but I sure it was possible. By the way, the bulid as built held maybe 300 seats. Sometime in the late forties or very early fifties, the rear of the building was extended and the seating capacity increase to 507. If you look at the side of the building you can see where the extention starts. My family left Ohio in 1959 and I did not return to visit until 2003. I visited with Earl and was impressed by his determination to do the restoration as accurately as possible. In 1959 Vermillion was a town of commercial fishing and summer cottages. I was surprised at how little of the original appearance had in the passing years. I plan to go back again after the theater is completely restored and relive a few childhood memories.

I attended many many movies at the Liberty in the mid 1950’s. During the summer months it was open 7 days a week with a Sunday-Monday program, a Tues-Thurs program and a Friday-Saturday program. Alway a single feature with shorts and cartoon. That was 3 films per week. During the winter the Tuesday-Thursday program was droped and the theatre remained open only 4 days a week. I am beyond thrilled that this theatre will again open and bring joy to a whole new generation.