The Dolton Theatre (14112 Chicago Rd) was built in 1913 and managed by John G. Hruby, who was involved with many other theatres. As with many theatres then, it had a stage and was used for vaudeville and community events. Note the higher end of the building—that was not for the screen, but for rigging and pulleys used for stage play props. The theatre was rehabbed in 1949. I added a picture of the theatre from the 1988 era.
The original theatre in Dolton was in Lunds Hall in 1909—more a hall for community events than a true theatre and located kitty-corner from the Dolton on Lincoln Avenue.
One of screens and some signage of the demolished Halsted Outdoor is presently (2013) in use by the Melody Drive In, Knox, IN. I’ve added an earlier article and a pic of Halsted.
Just added two pictures of the Harvey Theatre. Will note Harvey had this, the Brandt, the Era (later New Era), Garden at 15411 Center (destroyed by fire on Dec. 27, 1929), and the American (opened in 1916) and next to the original city hall on 154th.
Lost Memory Post: One of my pics of the Harvey Theatre is dated 1923, so it’s the same one on 15408 Center Ave, confirmed by phone books of those years. Not certain when the theatre opened.
Adding to Ken’s comments: Opened in 1914 as a nickelodeon: “Riverdale Theatre” on what was—then—the main street of Riverdale: 137th. Despite it’s small size, attendees say up to 300 could be squeezed in. Riverdalian, and village officer, Peter Kurz purchased it circa 1943 and renamed it the “Dale Theatre.” Due to competition by the larger Dolton (IL) theatre nearby, the Dale closed in the early 1950’s, later becoming Harold’s Cleaners. Today, 2007, the building stands empty. (Carl-Riverdale Historical Society). Pictures below from 1915-1918-1920, a Dale ad, and Harold’s Cleaners:
To add to “former Doltonite” Via the history book, “Dolton 1892-1976” the first theatre in Dolton was in Lund’s Hall (about 140th and Lincoln Ave)in 1907, showing “magic lantern” and nickelodeon fares—operated by the Hruby brothers. They opened the Dolton Theatre (correct name) in 1913, catering to movies and community gatherings. The building was rehabbed and enlarged around 1949 (forcing Riverdale’s—then—Dale Theatre out of business), and closed for a period in the late fifties. The west end of the structure has a section raised a few feet higher than the rest—this to accomdate the riggings mostly used for vaudevillian acts. A pic today: View link
The Dolton Theatre (14112 Chicago Rd) was built in 1913 and managed by John G. Hruby, who was involved with many other theatres. As with many theatres then, it had a stage and was used for vaudeville and community events. Note the higher end of the building—that was not for the screen, but for rigging and pulleys used for stage play props. The theatre was rehabbed in 1949. I added a picture of the theatre from the 1988 era.
The original theatre in Dolton was in Lunds Hall in 1909—more a hall for community events than a true theatre and located kitty-corner from the Dolton on Lincoln Avenue.
One of screens and some signage of the demolished Halsted Outdoor is presently (2013) in use by the Melody Drive In, Knox, IN. I’ve added an earlier article and a pic of Halsted.
I reloaded the photos (broken links). These pictures are via the Riverdale Historical Society, of which I’m a member.
Just added two pictures of the Harvey Theatre. Will note Harvey had this, the Brandt, the Era (later New Era), Garden at 15411 Center (destroyed by fire on Dec. 27, 1929), and the American (opened in 1916) and next to the original city hall on 154th.
Just added a 1968 frontal pic of the Harvey Theatre to my album noted previously. New pic is here:
View link
Lost Memory Post: One of my pics of the Harvey Theatre is dated 1923, so it’s the same one on 15408 Center Ave, confirmed by phone books of those years. Not certain when the theatre opened.
Via old Harvey IL phone books, the Era became the “New Era” theatre sometime between 1945-1949. Pics:
Era Theatre 1936
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Era Theatre Ad 1940
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That 1954 pic moved to my album here, Ken:
Brandt Theatre 1954
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If my previous links don’t work, these will:
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Adding to Ken’s comments: Opened in 1914 as a nickelodeon: “Riverdale Theatre” on what was—then—the main street of Riverdale: 137th. Despite it’s small size, attendees say up to 300 could be squeezed in. Riverdalian, and village officer, Peter Kurz purchased it circa 1943 and renamed it the “Dale Theatre.” Due to competition by the larger Dolton (IL) theatre nearby, the Dale closed in the early 1950’s, later becoming Harold’s Cleaners. Today, 2007, the building stands empty. (Carl-Riverdale Historical Society). Pictures below from 1915-1918-1920, a Dale ad, and Harold’s Cleaners:
View link
View link
View link
View link
To add to “former Doltonite” Via the history book, “Dolton 1892-1976” the first theatre in Dolton was in Lund’s Hall (about 140th and Lincoln Ave)in 1907, showing “magic lantern” and nickelodeon fares—operated by the Hruby brothers. They opened the Dolton Theatre (correct name) in 1913, catering to movies and community gatherings. The building was rehabbed and enlarged around 1949 (forcing Riverdale’s—then—Dale Theatre out of business), and closed for a period in the late fifties. The west end of the structure has a section raised a few feet higher than the rest—this to accomdate the riggings mostly used for vaudevillian acts. A pic today: View link
Pics of the Harvey, Brandt, and Era theatres are in my album below, via harvey_il_tths forum members at dephi.com:
View link