Tootle Theatre

510 Francis Street,
St. Joseph, MO 64501

Unfavorite No one has favorited this theater yet

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Dubinsky Brothers

Architects: Walter Angelo Powell

Functions: Office Space

Styles: French Renaissance

Previous Names: Tootle's Opera House

Nearby Theaters

Tootle Theatre

Milton Tootle built a nearly $200,000, almost 1,500 seat opera house launching December 9, 1872. With its three balconies and massive opulent boxes, architect W. Angelo Powell’s French Renaissance style grandeur wowed audiences back in the day. The Atmospheric sky effect on the ceiling and dome took people back to the days of Louis XIV. Sarah Bernhardt, Buffalo Bill Cody, Edwin Booth and Oscar Wilde were among the performers who were on the giant stage measuring 100' wide, 67' high and 50' deep.

The Dubinsky Brothers took on the theatre as its fifth operator and would switch for Dubinksy live stock to motion pictures in 1919. The theatre stayed silent and finally in 1933, the building was completely gutted down to its four walls and became the Pioneer Building with offices and some retail.

On November 21, 2016, the 144 year old theatre was gutted in an epic fire. The city called for its demolition within a month.

Contributed by dallasmovietheaters

Recent comments (view all 2 comments)

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on March 5, 2018 at 5:52 pm

A spectacular photo of the Pioneer Building in flames can be seen on this web page from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

rivest266
rivest266 on September 9, 2020 at 10:25 pm

December 9th, 1872 grand opening ad posted.

You must login before making a comment.

New Comment

Subscribe Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.