Comments about Cosmo Theatre in Chicago, IL

Joe Vogel on November 11, 2021 at 9:28 pm

An article about the Ascher Bros circuit in the March 10, 1917 issue of Moving Picture World had this paragraph about the Cosmopolitan:

“A good deal of credit is due Bruce Goshaw for the success of the Cosmopolitan theater, Halsted and Seventy-ninth streets, which was the first thousand-seat house to be erected for the Ascher Bros. Manager Godshaw enjoys the distinction of having managed this house since its opening on Saturday, September 6, 1913. This fine modern structure is situated in the suburb of Auburn Park far out in the southwest end of town and is strictly a neighborhood theater. Although in its fifth season, some of the ‘opening night’ patrons can still be seen in the audiences. The foyer of the house is finished in marble and the general color scheme is old rose and blue. The equipment is modern in every detail from the box-office to the operating room. Feature subjects are exhibted [sic] both afternoon and evening, at an admission price of 10 cents.”

rivest266 on August 5, 2020 at 5:59 pm

Openied September 6th, 1913 Cosmopolitan theatre opening Thu, Sep 4, 1913 – 21 · Chicago Tribune (Chicago, Illinois) · Newspapers.com

Joe Vogel on May 1, 2018 at 6:29 am

Records of the American Terra Cotta Company indicate that the Cosmopolitan Theatre was designed for Ascher Brothers by the architectural firm of Newhouse & Bernham (Felix M. Bernham.) An item in the August 24, 1918, issue of The Economist said that Henry L. Newhouse was preparing plans for an addition to the Cosmopolitan Theatre.

Trolleyguy on October 19, 2016 at 10:38 am

I met my first wife at the Holiday Ballroom on Halsted in 1966. The same operator also ran the north side Holiday Ballroom in the old Times Theatre on Milwaukee north of Lawrence.

Broan on January 17, 2016 at 1:16 pm

Here is a THSA photo. Here is another. Interesting that the windows actually opened.

davidplomin on June 22, 2015 at 10:58 pm

A shame the building couldn’t be saved. Wonder how The Sunset Club was? You had a theater that was turned into a nightclub, adjoining shops and offices or apts above. Englewood has no theaters left. They had a lot once. Very sad.

kencmcintyre on June 13, 2009 at 11:54 pm

Here is a March 1915 ad from the same source:
http://tinyurl.com/n8v884

kencmcintyre on May 16, 2009 at 1:43 am

Here is a January 1915 ad from the Suburbanite Economist:
http://tinyurl.com/pkdp6n

kencmcintyre on April 18, 2009 at 8:53 pm

Here is a 1982 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/d8f6x3

kencmcintyre on December 10, 2008 at 4:51 pm

The Aschers sold in April 1923, according to the Tribune:

THEATER, STORES SOLD BY ASCHER; PRICE, $328,000

According to the revenue stamps on the deed, Nathan Ascher, president of the Cosmopolitan Securities company, was paid $328,000, subject to an incumbrance of $90,000, for the Cosmopolitan theater, store and office building.

Englewood on November 25, 2008 at 10:43 pm

PUBLIC telephone.

kencmcintyre on November 25, 2008 at 7:24 pm

The phone number in 1953 was RAdcliff 3-9452, but since their phone was stolen I wouldn’t recommend trying to call.

Englewood on October 14, 2007 at 5:18 pm

From the Chicago Tribune, June 2, 1945:

“THEATER’S PAY PHONE STOLEN
John Camplan, owner of the Cosmo theatre,
7938 S. Halsted st., told police yesterday that
burglars entered the theater thru an open
stage door Wednesday and took a pay tele-
phone from a booth.”

Cosmo Theatre

7938 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60620

7938 S. Halsted Street,
Chicago, IL 60620