1938 photo and below copy added, both credit McHenry County Historical Society.
The Grove Theatre, 310 Route 14, Fox River Grove.
The availability of motion pictures in the early 1900s opened a whole new world of entertainment possibilities. Jim Dvorak opened the first regular movie theater in Fox River Grove in the Prokop garage building in 1921. In 1923, Joseph Kosatka bought the Dvorak business and built the Grove Theatre building.
The Grove Theatre became a mainstay of the Fox River Grove entertainment world for 32 years. The theatre was so popular it was necessary to add balcony in 1927. They even had a cry room so mothers with young infants could enjoy a movie without disturbing others. There was also a smoking room for men.
The 35 cent admission entitled patrons to additional premiums. Ticket holders benefited from many promotional ventures as the theatre offered free china, linens, and towels. Drawings were held for the lucky numbers on ticket stubs. Children were charged 15 cents admission. A bus brought people in from the German Turner Camp in Algonquin one day a week, and there was also a special free show for the Tribune Camp children (Camp Algonquin). Popcorn sold for 10 cents a bag and 25 cents a box. One thing it did not have was soft seats and patrons remember taking pillows to view long movies such as Gone with the Wind.
During the silent film era, a $7,000 Wurlitzer pipe organ was purchased and an accomplished organist, Warren L. Kolby of Crystal Lake, would accompany the pictures. When “talkies” came in, he played the organ before the film started.
The theatre went out of business in 1957 when the building was sold to the Fox River Grove Lions’ Club. In the late 1970s the property was sold and converted into a restaurant. It has seen several changes of ownership as a restaurant, among them Giordano’s, Pasta Garden, and Gerardo’s Pizza and Pastas.
As I recall, when JAM first obtained ownership, they were the only ones who had showed up at the sale.
The city later wanted JAM to partner with Live Nation on the Uptown, who the city was already in bed with at the former Charter One Pavilion I think.
Partnering with Live Nation would never happen according to JAM at the time.
There are details of it and the reasons why, buried in the comments dating back to 2008 or `09.
I recall an article mentioning an old, leaked Live Nation e-mail that said “Kill, crush, destroy JAM.
(Which still comes up on Google)
I also recall that back then the Uptown needed an estimated 30 million in asbestos removal.
Live Nation once had ownership of a much smaller theatre/venue in Nashville I think, that also had a recording studio in it.
And they couldn’t even keep that open.
So their input likely would not have been of any importance to JAM, even if they had partnered.
As JAM has successfully owned and ran the Riviera for decades.
I believe they only manage the Aragon.
Discussed in previous threads too, was the types of shows that would need to run almost constantly after reopening, to break even on the huge cost of all the needed renovations.
And mainly music shows at that, since road shows of say Broadway In Chicago would likely not have adequate load-in.
Or the ability to sell 4000+ seats regularly.
In my opinion converting to digital projection so films could again be run on off nights, might pick up the slack.
Larger music acts would likely opt for the United Center to guarantee a larger payout.
Unfortunately I do not know.
You’d probably have to got to the Silco’s Facebook page located via the above link, and ask beneath the individual photos.
Or maybe contacting the theater and ask them about the photos on their page.
Here is the direct link to the 1936 IDOT photo that has the Argmore marquee.
Previously posted by CompassRose in 2011, in the Uptown Chicago History link.
In the below link you can both enlarge, zoom and navigate within the photo to better see the marquee.
Address should be changed to 1643 Sheridan.
“Demolished” status should be removed, as the building is still standing.
It currently houses McAllister & Sons Signs.
Same building as the 1938 photo I added.
Below is a Flickr image of the building today.
1956 photo added of the opening of “Giant”, photo courtesy of Wendy Wilson.
Whose mother worked in the concession stand at this time.
Via the Traces If Texas facebook page.
This article is about a theater seat dedicated to Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen due to his fund raising efforts for the Coronado.
http://www.rrstar.com/article/20160412/SPECIAL/160419966
1938 photo and below copy added, both credit McHenry County Historical Society.
The Grove Theatre, 310 Route 14, Fox River Grove.
The availability of motion pictures in the early 1900s opened a whole new world of entertainment possibilities. Jim Dvorak opened the first regular movie theater in Fox River Grove in the Prokop garage building in 1921. In 1923, Joseph Kosatka bought the Dvorak business and built the Grove Theatre building.
The Grove Theatre became a mainstay of the Fox River Grove entertainment world for 32 years. The theatre was so popular it was necessary to add balcony in 1927. They even had a cry room so mothers with young infants could enjoy a movie without disturbing others. There was also a smoking room for men.
The 35 cent admission entitled patrons to additional premiums. Ticket holders benefited from many promotional ventures as the theatre offered free china, linens, and towels. Drawings were held for the lucky numbers on ticket stubs. Children were charged 15 cents admission. A bus brought people in from the German Turner Camp in Algonquin one day a week, and there was also a special free show for the Tribune Camp children (Camp Algonquin). Popcorn sold for 10 cents a bag and 25 cents a box. One thing it did not have was soft seats and patrons remember taking pillows to view long movies such as Gone with the Wind.
During the silent film era, a $7,000 Wurlitzer pipe organ was purchased and an accomplished organist, Warren L. Kolby of Crystal Lake, would accompany the pictures. When “talkies” came in, he played the organ before the film started.
The theatre went out of business in 1957 when the building was sold to the Fox River Grove Lions’ Club. In the late 1970s the property was sold and converted into a restaurant. It has seen several changes of ownership as a restaurant, among them Giordano’s, Pasta Garden, and Gerardo’s Pizza and Pastas.
Undated photo added courtesy of Ron Whitfield, via the Waikiki & Honolulu in the 50’s & 60’s.
1941 photo added courtesy of Ron Whitfield, via the Waikiki & Honolulu in the 50’s & 60’s Facebook page.
As I recall, when JAM first obtained ownership, they were the only ones who had showed up at the sale. The city later wanted JAM to partner with Live Nation on the Uptown, who the city was already in bed with at the former Charter One Pavilion I think. Partnering with Live Nation would never happen according to JAM at the time. There are details of it and the reasons why, buried in the comments dating back to 2008 or `09. I recall an article mentioning an old, leaked Live Nation e-mail that said “Kill, crush, destroy JAM. (Which still comes up on Google) I also recall that back then the Uptown needed an estimated 30 million in asbestos removal. Live Nation once had ownership of a much smaller theatre/venue in Nashville I think, that also had a recording studio in it. And they couldn’t even keep that open. So their input likely would not have been of any importance to JAM, even if they had partnered. As JAM has successfully owned and ran the Riviera for decades. I believe they only manage the Aragon. Discussed in previous threads too, was the types of shows that would need to run almost constantly after reopening, to break even on the huge cost of all the needed renovations. And mainly music shows at that, since road shows of say Broadway In Chicago would likely not have adequate load-in. Or the ability to sell 4000+ seats regularly. In my opinion converting to digital projection so films could again be run on off nights, might pick up the slack. Larger music acts would likely opt for the United Center to guarantee a larger payout.
1948 photo added courtesy of Kenneth R. Davis.
Well it appears it’s days as a music venue are over. The below article states it will now only be used for weddings and private events.
https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160404/rogers-park/mayne-stage-ditches-live-music-will-host-weddings-private-parties-instead
April 1968 press photo added.
Unfortunately I do not know. You’d probably have to got to the Silco’s Facebook page located via the above link, and ask beneath the individual photos. Or maybe contacting the theater and ask them about the photos on their page.
Here is the direct link to the 1936 IDOT photo that has the Argmore marquee. Previously posted by CompassRose in 2011, in the Uptown Chicago History link. In the below link you can both enlarge, zoom and navigate within the photo to better see the marquee.
http://collections.carli.illinois.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/uic_idot/id/540/rec/2
Address should be changed to 1643 Sheridan. “Demolished” status should be removed, as the building is still standing. It currently houses McAllister & Sons Signs. Same building as the 1938 photo I added. Below is a Flickr image of the building today.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/27728294@N05/6489074561
Circa 1984 photo added courtesy of Kenneth Swedroe.
1933 print ad added courtesy of Kenneth Swedroe. The 400 was run by Essaness at the time.
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade 1959 photo added, courtesy of the Chicago’s Extinct Businesses facebook page.
Circa 1979 photo added courtesy of Ralph Dacious McCain.
5/07/67 photo added, photo credit Steve Lewandowski.
March 2016 photo added, photo credit Dawn Wells. The actress who played “Mary Ann” on “Gilligan’s Island”.
New owners applying for alcohol license.
https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160318/portage-park/plan-serve-booze-at-patio-theater-be-presented-sposato-neighbors
1946 photo added, photo credit Charles Phoenix.
Closing as of tonight.
http://www.wndu.com/content/news/Mishawaka-dollar-movie-theatre-dropping-the-curtains-372493632.html
1955 photo added as the State Theatre, courtesy of the AmeriCar The Beautiful Facebook page.
1956 photo added of the opening of “Giant”, photo courtesy of Wendy Wilson. Whose mother worked in the concession stand at this time. Via the Traces If Texas facebook page.
Current article about the Forbidden Root brewpub to open Thursday.
https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160216/west-town/forbidden-root-open-former-hub-theater-on-thursday-photos
1973 photo courtesy of Michael Thomas Angelo.
1973 photo as the Crest added courtesy of Michael Thomas Angelo.