Whitefish in Flathead County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Orpheum Theatre Building

(Block 45; Lot 24)

— Historical Walking Tour of Whitefish, Montana —

Orpheum Theatre Building Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2020

1. Orpheum Theatre Building Marker

Inscription.
History was made on the night of June, 13, 1916 when the Orpheum Theatre opened on this site. This building was purchased by Lloyd J. Sissel and converted into what the press called "one of the classiest playhouses in the Northwest". He remodeled the building by putting in a new front, an inclined floor and "up-to-date equipment".

The first silent film shown was "The Soul Market" and starred the gifted emotional actress, Mme Petrova. The film dealt with live along the Great White Way and behind the scenes of a big Broadway theatre. It was followed by a Sidney Drew comedy and reportedly was received enthusiastically by the Whitefish audience. The 1916 ticket price was 25 cents.

The Orpheum was a gathering place for Whitefish residents for many years as was its neighbor the Lake Theatre, opened later by Lloyd Sissel in the building immediately adjacent to the Orpheum.

Erected by Stumptown Historical Society and Whitefish Community Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is June 13, 1916.

Location. 48° 24.629′ N,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

114° 20.197′ W. Marker is in Whitefish, Montana, in Flathead County. It can be reached from the intersection of Central Avenue and East 3rd Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 Central Avenue, Whitefish MT 59937, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana

and in Glacier Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Former Site of 1st National Bank Building (a few steps from this marker); Robinson Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Haines Drugs (within shouting distance of this marker); Pastime Pool Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Hori Cafe Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Palace Bar (within shouting

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2020

2. Orpheum Theatre Building Marker

The marker is at the corner of the building.

distance of this marker); First Presbyterian Church of Whitefish (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Casey's Bar (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Whitefish.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 396 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 14, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.