Tiffin Theatre

Lou R made reference to an article where a new partner at the Tiffin, was added and his name was Joseph. That would be my great grandfather Joseph Meilinger. Joseph Meilinger came from Germany and he owned several meat markets in the Chicago area known as the Meilinger Meat Markets. Several of these meat markets were along North Avenue. As a child I remember hearing stories about the vaudeville days at the Tiffin including shows with Buddy Ebsen. My father who grew up in Chicago in the late 1920s and early 30s remembers walking across the street and having free access to the Tiffin shows because his grandfather owned it.
My father, Herman, fondest memories were of the big Wurlitzer organ. Lou is right in his reference to the wholesome family entertainment that The Tiffin subscribed to. I can remember hearing my grandfather John Meilinger Sr. Talk about visitors from Chicago interested in having my grandfather sell his interest in the Tiffin. John Meilinger had inherited this interest in the Tiffin and I believe his interest was sold possibly in the late 60s early 70s. I’m surprised it stayed open till 1988 it was my impression that it was going to be made into something else and possibly torn down sooner. If anyone could shed some light on this information I’d like to hear it. It’s nice to hear that the Tiffin was involved in so many peoples lives and they have great memories of the Tiffin. Joseph would have been please.