Columbia Theater
5257 Southwest Boulevard,
St. Louis,
MO
5257 Southwest Boulevard,
St. Louis,
MO
1 person
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Thie Columbia Theater was located in the Italian section of St Louis, which is known as The Hill.
It is believed that a young Joe Garagiola worked at the Columbia as a youngster before going on to greater success in the sport of baseball, along with his neighbor Yogi Berra.
The Columbia is now a residence.
Contributed by
Norman Plant, Ellen Knittel
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Recent comments (view all 9 comments)
Theatre is no longer a health club. Facility was bought by an artist and is now his residence. Stage area is now the living quarters, auditorium area had roof removed and is now a courtyard.
The Columbia was located at the wedge of Southwest and Columbia Blvds. The address was 5257 Southwest. This was originall part of the Franchon & Marco Chain which later became ST. Louis Amusement Co./Arthur Theatres. Originally the Columbia had an ice cream parlor in its lobby along with the concession stand. Like most Arthur Theatres this was a very clean and well maintained theatre. Theatre seated 843 on a single floor.
There was A KIlgen Theatre Pipe Organ installed in the Columbia in the 1920’s Whereabouts unknown
JamesGrebe
It has been rightly pointed out to me that there was indeed a 2m/11r Kilgen organ in the Columbia Theatre. The problem was it was not this Columbia but an earlier one that was located at 6th and St. Charles. It was installed in 1919. The Columbia on Southwest only dates back to around 1925.
JamesGrebe
Where was The Columbia Theater located in 1908?
1926 The great Harry Houdini died at the age of 52. Houdini introduced his famous“Milk Can Escape†at the Columbia Theater in St. Louis on January 27, 1908. The handcuffed magician escaped from a padlocked over sized milk can filled with water. In 1922, He escaped from the best straitjacket in the St. Louis Police Homicide
Department’s wardrobe—while suspended from the 5th floor of city hall.
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George Jones: The Columbia Theatre Houdini appeared at was at 6th & St. Charles downtown. This major vaudeville house closed in mid-1925. The Columbia on Southwest opened in early 1926.
Thanks Chuck.
Take a look at the bird’s eye view and see how unusually the auditorium has been transformed : http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=qf1q7p7g99q1&lvl=19.64919076663369&dir=359.13181967333327&sty=b&where1=Southwest%20Ave%2C%20St%20Louis%2C%20MO%2063110&form=LMLTCC
I remember seeing a doubble feature posiedon adventure and ledgon of hell house. dont see those any more