Forum Live
124 N. Lafayette Street,
Macomb,
IL
61455
124 N. Lafayette Street,
Macomb,
IL
61455
1 person
favorited this theater
Related Websites
Forum Live (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Hainline Circuit, Kerasotes Theatres
Architects: William O. Thomas
Functions: Banquet Hall, Concerts, Nightclub, Special Events
Previous Names: Chandler Opera House, Illinois Theatre
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
309.836.3246
Nearby Theaters
Opened as the Chandler Opera House on April 21, 1873. In 1912, the theatre was renamed the Illinois Theatre on September 15, 1919. Remodeled a number of times since, including a twinning of the theatre in the late-1970’s, the Illinois Theatre was last operated by Kerasotes Theatres. It closed in 2005, and in 2006 reopened as The Forum, a nightclub, concert venue, and banquet hall.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 10 comments)
Unfortunately, Kerasotes has closed the Illinois Theatre in Macomb.
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/ill_thtr_int.jpg">Here is another image of the Illinois Theatre. It reopened in 2006 as a multi-purpose entertainment venue for concerts, shows, conventions, etc. From what I understand, they have reopened the dome in the ceiling, which had been covered up when the theatre was twinned in the late 70’s. I haven’t been there yet, but plan to check it out next time I get back to my `ol home town of Macomb, which I generally manage to do at least once a year.
A little history about the Illniois Theatre. Due to the rising popularitly of movies, Chandler’s Hall in the upper floor of the Opera House Building on the NW corner of the Macomb, Illinois quare, became the Chandler Theatre in 1912. In 1918, soft drink bottler Harry Elwell and local lawyer Andrew L. Haniline bought it, redecorated and refurnished it, and renamed it the Illinois Theatre. A Douglas Fairbanks movie His Majesty the American, was the first film shown upon reopening in 1919. As a promotion to bring in new customers, Hainline and Elwell were able to arrannge the local filming of a comedy short Macomb Adopts a Baby, which premeired in late October. By year’s end, Elwell sold his interest on Hainline.<br>
Following a New Year’s Day fire in 1925, Hainline completely remodeled the Illinois and moved it downstairs and installed a sound system. With a lighted dome in the ceiling and seating for 800, it became Macomb’s preeminent movie house for decades. In 1935, Hainline once again remodeled the Illinois to manintain his competitive edge. The exterior was redone with a contemporary neon marque and glass doors. The interior featured a new lobby, lounge and balcony, as well as new seating and decorative accents. Hainline would own the Illinois Theatre as well as the Lamoine Theatre (which he purchaed in 1936, many years later known as The Lark), until his death in 1942.<br>
-Source: Macomb: A Pictorial History by John E. Hallwas
Lost Memory—that’s it! Steve, thanks for the memories! As a lifelong resident of Macomb, I truly miss the Illinois Theatre. I remember when there was a concession stand between the restrooms, far beyond the main entrance. Also, the old ladies room was a long hallway that slanted down and curved to the west. That’s back when it was only one theatre. I love this town, and I love reading the history of the Illinois. I’ve only been to the old Illinois twice since it’s now the Forum, but I believe the dome is still covered. The Forum has done a total transformation and the movie balcony is now gone (boo), but there’s a ¾ balcony and it’s still a nice place. Thanks!
Does anyone have pics of the Lark Theatre in Macomb? I would love to have copies if you do. ~Terri
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/lamoine3.jpg">here’s the only photo I’ve located of the Lark , though it was still the Lamoine when this picture was taken, I’m sure. Judging by the cars, I would date this image late 30s/early 40s. I think I found it on the web, but can’t remember for sure where. Enjoy!
I made it up to Macomb for Christmas this year and got a couple pics of the old Illinois Theater, now known as The Forum. Here’s a photo. Though I was unable to make it inside due to nothing going on there during my brief visit, I did talk to a couple people who have been, and when I asked about the dome their reply was “What dome?” I guess that covers that question.
Seems I can’t leave this alone…
I’ve put together a flickr page with as many photos of the Illinois Theater as I could find on the web.
View link
I’ll update it if I come across more…
Updated website link: http://www.theforumlive.com/
This Facebook page from the Western Illinois Museum has an early photo of the Chandler Opera House, and a (very) brief history. The house opened on April 21, 1873, and was designed by architect William O. Thomas. The third floor was added to the original two-story building in 1889. Given the extent of remodeling over the years, I would imagine that no identifiable traces remain of Thomas’s original design.