Rodgers Theatre

119 W. Vienna Street,
Anna, IL 62906

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Kerasotes Theatres, Rodgers Theatres

Styles: Streamline Moderne

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News About This Theater

Rodgers Theatre

This theatre was built by I.W. Rodgers on the site of his Lyric Theatre on Vienna Street, and opened in February 17, 1938. The Art Moderne style Rodgers could originally seat nearly 800.

It closed in 1998 and despite attempts to save the Rodgers Theatre, it was demolished in April 2006.

Contributed by Bryan Krefft

Recent comments (view all 31 comments)

melders
melders on March 15, 2006 at 3:38 am

The paper recently said demolition work will start soon on this theater. I just wish that they will save the buildings marquee.

melders
melders on April 16, 2006 at 3:12 am

The theater was finally demolished this past week.

Patsy
Patsy on April 16, 2006 at 11:39 am

As I scrolled down to read the latest post on this theatre I feared what I would read. So very very sad and so today’s youth will continue to go to the malls and multiplexes of their generation.

bodkin6071
bodkin6071 on June 5, 2008 at 7:35 pm

Bought by the Kerasotes chain sometime in the late 1960’s. Kerasotes closed the Rodgers July 31, 1980 on account of slumping business.

Patsy
Patsy on June 14, 2008 at 5:14 pm

“despite attempts to save”…famous last words.

TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on February 19, 2010 at 6:44 pm

Nice pictures Chuck.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on December 21, 2012 at 3:31 am

The Rodgers Theatre opened in February, 1938, according to the 1954 book 100 Years of Progress: The Centennial History of Anna, Illinois.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on January 6, 2015 at 5:14 am

The May 21, 1938, issue of The Film Daily gave the opening date of the Rodgers Theatre as February 17.

bvanwinkle
bvanwinkle on June 8, 2024 at 9:42 pm

I was inside of the Rodgers the week it was sold and being ‘renovated’ in 1990. It was in rough shape all around, but I certainly wish it could have been saved as well. (Especially the marquee!) Photos are what we have. I have a book that is being published by Bauer and Dean publishing for spring 2025 entitled: “America’s Hometown Movie Theaters: Please Remain Standing” which will have 3 photos of the Rodgers.

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