Belleville in St. Clair County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Washington Theatre
Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 15, 2020
1. Washington Theatre Marker
Opening night at the Washington Theatre was January 17, 1913. The admission price was 10 cents. Owner and theater magnate Louis Landau, Jr., directed the first night's performance include both vaudeville acts and a silent movie. Live music accompanied both. From the orchestra pit the conductor controlled chimes concealed in the walls that created a stereophonic effect. The combination of live performances and films continued to be offered at the Washington until the 1940s. Landau had an airdome - an open-air theater - constructed behind the theater in late 1913. The airdome continued to provide entertainment into the 1930s. The architectural firm of Charles Pauly & Son of Granite City and Edwardsville designed the theater. Amenities included a smoking room for men. In 1926, the Washington was renamed the Illinois Theatre. A major renovation in 1951 to convert the theater into a first-run movie house proved futile. The Illinois closed in 1955. Hiken Furniture moved into the building in 1956 and remained in business there until 1975. Subsequently Illinois Public Aid Services and the Social Security Administration occupied office space. In 1997
this page online
Erected 2014 by Belleville Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is January 17, 1913.
Location. 38° 30.812′ N, 89° 59.25′ W. Marker is in Belleville, Illinois, in St. Clair County. Marker is on West Main Street east of North 3rd Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 222 W Main St, Belleville IL 62220, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Reichert Business Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Kastel Electric (within shouting distance of this marker); Peters Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Old St. Clair County Courthouse 1861-1972 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Audrey Marsh King (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ruth A. Sterling (approx. 0.2 miles away); Carrie Thomas Alexander-Bahrenburg (approx. 0.2 miles away); Julius Liese (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Belleville.
Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 15, 2020
2. Washington Theatre Marker
Marker is mounted by the entrance of the building.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 170 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 15, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
