Crystal Theatre

According to the Logansport Journal, the Crystal Theatre opened on October 16, 1905 in the old Post Office building. The Sanborn Maps of 1911 show the location as across the alley from the Theatre Nelson. The Crystal Theatre had all the length of the Theatre Nelson but only about one-third of its width. The Journal noted that their program would consist of “high class, clean, refined vaudeville, illustrated songs and the finest of moving pictures.”

On January 18, 1909, a local news article, somewhat prescient in its terminology, headlined “Store Show Busted.” This explained the bust: “The Crystal Theatre, which some claim should have been closed some time ago by the board of health is busted.” It was further explained that the Broadway Vaudeville Theater was the primary cause of its demise.

It appears that the Crystal Theatre opened again (briefly as the Majestic, then becoming the Crystal again), as their advertisements grace the Journal through March of 1912. In May of 1912, it was reported that workmen were dismantling the equipment and interior of the old Crystal Theatre to put in an undertaking firm. It was noted that the Crystal Theatre had been opened and closed many times by different managers.

To put a final nail in the Crystal’s coffin, the witty editor of the Logansport Weekly Reporter had these parting words: “Did it ever occur to you what a fitting climax it was to the old defunct Crystal Theatre that an undertaking establishment should occupy the place in the future.”

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