Riviera Theatre

110-112 N. 2nd Street,
Niles, MI 49120

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: W.S. Butterfield Theaters Inc.

Nearby Theaters

Then & Now image courtesy of Jason Madrigal, photo montage courtesy of Donna Ochenryder Collection.

Opened in 1920, closed 1961, it was owned by Butterfield Theaters.

Contributed by David Zornig

Recent comments (view all 5 comments)

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on August 29, 2015 at 12:25 am

I made a mistake. The Riviera opened in 1920, not 1930. It was built by John Baumann.

Donna Ochenryder whose photos were added, worked at the Riviera 1948 to 1951 as an Usher and finished working for Eleanor Baumann in the popcorn/candy stand.

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on August 29, 2015 at 12:26 am

5 images uploaded.

Chris1982
Chris1982 on August 29, 2015 at 1:38 am

What year were the tickets for or do you know the attraction? They have reserved seating on the tickets.

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on August 29, 2015 at 9:46 am

I found the tickets image in a Facebook post in a Group called “If you grew up in Niles/SW Michigan then you remember what…..who….”. It is what led me to researching and adding the Riviera to CT. I lucked out by scrolling endlessly through the Group’s Photo Section, and finding the other photos. Which helped distinguish it from the other Riviera Theatre in nearby Three Rivers Michigan, which was also pictured in the Group with a similar marquee. The two towns are 36 miles apart. Some group members had no recollection of the Riviera in Niles. As it closed over 50 years ago.

There was no description with the tickets photo, other than this: “These may jog some memories of the Niles population….a long gone establishment from the ‘Good old Days’ in downtown. 2 tickets for the Riviera Theater.”

Here is a link to the Group. Copy & paste to view.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/263439923682065/

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on September 13, 2021 at 12:36 am

The November 6, 1920 issue of Moving Picture World had this item about John Bauman’s new theater then nearing completion in Niles:

“A new theatre is being erected in Niles, Mich., by John Bauman. It will seat over 1,000, and be ready for opening about Dec. 1st. John Bingemer, formerly with Balaban & Katz in Chicago, will be the house manager, and he is planning to present pictures very elaborately.
The April 2, 1921 issue of the same journal had an item about the sale of the new house:
"Buy Niles Theatre

“Angell & Codd, operating theatres in Niles, Adrian, Owosso and Buchanan, have purchased the $150,000 New Riviera Theatre in Niles, Mich., which means that they will close up their small Strand Theatre in Niles, opening it only on special occasions. They also plan to erect a new theatre in South Bend, Ind., during the coming year.

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