Manistee in Manistee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ramsdell Theatre
Registered Michigan Historic Site
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 24, 2016
1. Ramsdell Theatre Marker
Thomas Jefferson Ramsdell—pioneer lawyer, state legislator and civic leader—built this theatre between 1902 and 1903. Many traveling companies played here and praised the features that made it unique among the playhouses of the era. Theatrical artist Walter Burredge painted the main curtain utilizing the theme “A Grove Near Athens.” The dome and lobby murals were the work of Thomas Ramsdell’s son Frederick. Public spirited citizens saved the landmark from demolition in the early 1920s. It was acquired by the city of Manistee in 1953. The Manistee Civic Players have helped to preserve its architecture and interior decor. The Ramsdell Theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic places in 1972.
Erected 1980. (Marker Number L0124.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Landmarks. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.
Location. 44° 14.751′ N, 86°
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Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Manistee County War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Manistee City Library (within shouting distance of this marker); The Haley Block (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Lyman Building (about 700 feet away); The Thompson Building (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manistee.
Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 2003
2. Ramsdell Theater Marker
Photographed By M. Bowyer, July 2003
3. Looking in the doorway of the Ramsdell Theatre
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 24, 2016
4. Ramsdell Theatre and Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 24, 2016
5. Ramsdell Theatre
Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2007, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,092 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 1, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 2, 3. submitted on June 18, 2007, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. 4, 5. submitted on September 1, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
