Colfax Theatre
213 W. Colfax Avenue,
South Bend,
IN
46601
213 W. Colfax Avenue,
South Bend,
IN
46601
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The WurliTzer from the Colfax was sold in 1963 to Gunther H. Hille of Canfeild Ohio.He installed it in his home, and played it until he passed away. His family then donated it to the American Organ Institute, of the University Of Oklahoma, Norman,Ok. More information is available on their website . There are some photos of the console and pipes included in the article. == Sam ==
I’d like to know if anyone rescued the projection equipment that was moved into the lobby before the place was demolished. There was a very old special effects machine amonst the pieces. It had a color wheel, glass slide transport(for announcements and sing-alongs) and a cloud tank.
There’s irony here. The Google Map picture topping this page shows the current South Bend Tribune building squatting on the site. The SBT demolished the lovely and historic Colfax Theatre, listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, to put up its brick hulk. Sic transit gloria mundi….. Sigh!
I saw “War and Peace” shown on two different nights at the Colfax theater… a marathon event. It literally had a cast of thousands.
1982 Photo
Here is an updated link for the photo posted on Oct 12, 2005.
A Wurlitzer theater organ opus 1903 style BAL 2 was installed in the Colfax Theater on 6/30/1928. Status: Sold.
Knute Rockne All American was released in October of 1940.
Here is an early forties photo:
http://tinyurl.com/2evfdu
According to our records, The Colfax was operated by Balaban and Katz as of October 1st, 1949. For more information visit www.balabanandkatzfoundation.com
David Balaban
Added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1993
Colfax Theater (added 1993 – Building – #85001208)
213 W. Colfax, South Bend
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Event
Architect, builder, or engineer: Christmnan,H.G.,Co.
Architectural Style: No Style Listed
Area of Significance: Architecture, Entertainment/Recreation
Period of Significance: 1925-1949
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Theater
Current Function: Vacant/Not In Use
The Colfax theater opened in 1929. It sat 2100. An attempt was made at restoration in the mid 1980’s which never came to be, but that was my opportunity to see the interior. It was a beautiful auditorium. I believe it was demolished in 1994 by the local newspaper, The South Bend Tribune, for new offices. I will try to post some pictures in the near future.
This is a photo of the former Colfax Theater.
This theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.It lists the architects as H.G.Christman & co and is listed as vacant and not in use.
atmos.