Crystal Theatre (II)

In September 1937, the former first Crystal Theatre which was once known as the Lyric Theatre since as early as 1925 at the Odd Fellows Building just blocks away closed its doors for the final time due to the theatre being relocated to an old Ford garage. The second Crystal Theatre later opened its doors to the public in October 1937. The same owners, the LeKander family, from the first Crystal Theatre took its control as the owners and operators of the theatre and was first named as the “New Crystal Theatre” throughout portions of the late-1930’s and early-1940’s.

Beginning in 1939, special events were also held in the theatre as well. On April 30, 1940, Arthur Rodgers Jr. while placing posters of the next upcoming show, was injured after the door of the window flew against the wall of the theatre, causing a break of the glass. It was possibly due to high winds. He received a cut on the thigh and was retrieved to get medical attention. On October 2 of that same year, Fred LeKander has been summoned to serve on the DeKalb County grand jury which happened 26 days later on the 28th in Sycamore.

On March 15, 1949, new seating chairs were added. The theatre is once again remodeled on December 13, 1949, forcing a closure to the theatre for 11 days until Christmas Eve of that year. A “cry room” was also added as well.

On May 20, 1955, the theatre once again had another remodel. But this time it was different. CinemaScope was installed, and newly established equipment was also detailed including refrigeration air-conditioners for the summer, and better seating arrangements.

The Crystal Theatre closed its doors for the final time in May 1963. The theatre then became vacant and would later be occupied by Bonnie’s beauty shop.

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