Model Theatre

The Model Theatre operated at 4513-4515 Butler Street. In the silent era, it competed with the Park Theater a block away and the Arsenal Theatre four blocks away. The Model Theatre had a neighboring soda fountain and confectionery that served as its de facto concession stand. The Model Theatre operation appears to have launched in the existing YMCA building’s auditorium in 1914.

The venue received an upgrade in 1919 and, upon reopening, was known as the New Model Theatre for the next year. Another refresh in 1923 brought about the installation of a diminutive Wurlitzer pipe organ, an opus 1366, a Style 109C 2-manuals and 4 ranks plus percussions. The theatre then sold off a large collection of player piano reels and also its phonograph. The Model Theatre later added sound to remain viable. In 1939, it switched briefly to Polish language films.

Warner Brothers Circuit took on the venue in late-Summer of 1931 on a 20-year leasing cycle. Ten years later, the Model Theatre carried the programming of the Arsenal Theatre in May of 1941 while it refreshed that venue just four blocks away. Once the Arsenal Theatre reopened the Model Theatre was refreshed in February of 1942. Warner dropped the Model Theatre at the expiry of its lease following its January 1, 1951 double feature of “House of Frankenstein” and “House of Dracula”.

Under independent operation on a sub-leasing agreement two months later in March of 1952, the Model Theatre switched to Polish-language films. The foreign language Model Theatre appears to have ceased operations following vandalism in its auditorium after the shows on March 5, 1952. After a period of vacancy, the Stanley Theatre Circuit sold the building for $42,500 to Richard Gordon Co. Gordon converted for other retail purposes and it has since been razed.

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