Nagels Dream Theater

This web page about architect George V. Bedell says that the Dream Theatre was in operation at least through 1956. It doesn’t mention the name Nagel’s Grand Theatre, but there is a scan of a 1916 directory page listing a Nagel’s Dream Theatre at 2335 Station Street. I found Nagel’s Dream in the Indianapolis Star’s movie listings as late as 1940. I’ve also found a few references to Harry Nagel as owner of the Dream Theatre from the late 1910s through the 1930s. Nagel’s Grand was likely just a temporary name change, if not a complete phantom.

Found this article doing family genealogy research. I believe my grandfather actually played this organ at one time, if it is the original. He lived at 2317 Station Street until his job with the railroad took him to Cincinnati around 1925-26, and my father lived and grew up at 2309 Station Street until the mid 1940’s. My father told me of his father working at the “Dream” where he played piano and organ and this is where he met my grandmother. If anyone has photos or information regarding this, it would be much appreciated. Post a comment here and I can provide my contact information. Thank you.

The Dream Theatre had a Louisville Pipe Organ Company “Uniphone” organ. It was (and still is) 5 ranks. Tibia 16-2, Diapason 8-4, VDO 8-4, Oboe Horn 8 and Vox Humana 8-4. It has been kept intact and is still playing. It is in a private residence in Shelbyville, Indiana. It is one of only 2 remaining horseshoe consoles built by LPO.