New Iberia in Iberia Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Evangeline Theater

Circa 1930

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, October 7, 2016

1. Evangeline Theater Marker

Inscription.
After the Great Fire of 1870, the Dreyfus Building was partitioned in 1929, with this portion becoming one of the city's early movie houses, The Evangeline Theater., Opened on April 19, 1930, by the Theodore Sliman Family, the building was renovated by William Bowen to its current appearance in 1940. The vertical Evangeline Art Deco sign that still graces the front of the building, original to the theater, represents an early use of neon in Louisiana. After the Evangeline closed in 1960, it remained vacant for over 30 years, donated to the City of New Iberia in 1994 by the Sliman family, State Representative Elias "Bo" Ackel secured funding to restore this structure, now known as the Sliman Theater.

Donated in loving memory of Harry John Broussard and Joyce Dugas Broussard by their children Donna, Simone, and Kerry.

Erected 2012 by Iberia Cultural Resources Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 19, 1930.

Location. 30° 0.309′ N,

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91° 49.051′ W. Marker is in New Iberia, Louisiana, in Iberia Parish. It is on East Main Street (Highway 182) north of Julia Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 129 East Main Street, New Iberia LA 70560, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Louisiana’s Acadiana — Cajun Country

and specifically in Bayou Country. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

Acadia,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Dreyfus Building (a few steps from this marker); William G. "Bunk" Johnson (a few steps from this marker); James Lee Burke (a few steps from this marker); The Davis Building (a few

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, October 7, 2016

2. Evangeline Theater Marker

English Text

steps from this marker); First Courthouse / Premier Tribunal / Primer Palacio de Justicia (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Fire (within shouting distance of this marker); Wormser's Department Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Church Alley (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Iberia.

Regarding Evangeline Theater. One of twenty-one trilingual historical markers (Spanish, French and English) located throughout New Iberia.

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, October 7, 2016

3. Evangeline Theater Marker

French and Spanish text

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, April 1, 2010

4. Evangeline Theater Marker

2011 photo of Evangeline Theater.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2017, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 1,311 times since then and 82 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 17, 2017.