Joy Theatre
9225 S. Commercial Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60617
9225 S. Commercial Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60617
3 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Balaban, H & E
Architects: Franz Roy
Previous Names: Pete's Theatre, South Chicago Theatre, Pete's South Cicago Theatre, International Theatre, Teatro Joy, Joy's House of Music
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This theater was opened in 1908, by Peter Lopina, as Pete’s Theatre. On August 4, 1908 it was renamed South Side Theatre. It was closed in 1910. In 1914 it reopened as Pete’s South Chicago Theatre, but closed again after two years. In March 1917 it became Pete’s Theatre again. In 1923, the theatre reopened as the International Theatre. In 1936, it was renamed the Joy Theatre. On January 9, 1943 it was renamed Teatro Joy, screening Spanish Language movies. The theater closed for good in 1947, having last been part of the H & E Balaban chain. It last operated as Joy’s House of Music.
Demolished in 1971, the theater was located in the South Chicago neighborhood on S. Commercial Avenue between 92nd Street. The site is now a parking lot for a drive-thru McDonald’s restaurant.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft, Ken Roe
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Recent comments (view all 5 comments)
Peter Lopina was my grandfather’s brother. He was known by locals as “two-for-nickel” Pete because he would allow two children to shuffle into the theatre for a single nickel. The first kid would pay his five cents and Pete would hurry the second kid through by patting him on the back. I have some great photos of him in front of the theatre that I can scan and post if anyone is interested.
Opened in 1908 as Pete’s Theatre it was closed in 1910. It re-opened in 1915 as the South Chicago Theatre and this lasted until 1917. In 1923 it re-opened again, this time known as the International Theatre and it was re-named Joy Theatre in 1936. It finally closed in 1947.
The architect was Franz Roy, whose office was nearby at 9046 S. Commercial Avenue. He designed a number of area buildings.
Hey cheri76. I If you’re still out there please post your photos. I’m putting together a post about this theater and The Wonderland across the street for the South Chicago Historical Society Facebook page and having your photos would be great. Also, do you know the history of the theatres? The info on this page is not correct according to info I’ve found.
Reading the local paper, Pete Lopina opened Pete’s Theatre opened as the South Side’s first nickelodeon. In 1908, he elevated all seating in a change of name to the South Chicago Theatre on August 4, 1908. In 1914, it was renamed as Pete’s South Chicago Theatre. In March of 1917, It is listed as Pete’s Theatre.
It then became the Joy Theatre in the 1930s. Became Teatro Joy on January 9, 1943 showing Spanish Language films. It then became Joy’s House of Music. Demolished in 1971