Vincennes in Knox County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Historic Pantheon Theatre
Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 23, 2021
1. Historic Pantheon Theatre Marker
front side
A state-of-the art facility, the Pantheon Theatre opened on May 16, 1921 with the Broadway show Midnight Whirl. It provided patrons with news and entertainment, including vaudeville acts and moving pictures likeBen-Hur. The theater's location in the region facilitated the exchange of arts and culture, like African American folk music performed by composer W.C. Handy.
In his youth, comedian and Vincennes native Red Skelton explored his budding interest in performance at the Pantheon Theatre, acting in a 1929 minstrel show. He performed there again in 1939 after achieving commercial success. The theater drew other renowned entertainers, such as jazz composer Duke Ellington, conductor John Philip Sousa, and blues singer Sara Martin.
Erected 2021 by Indiana Historical Bureau, Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy, and the Vincennes/Knox County Visitors and Tourism Bureau. (Marker Number 42.2021.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 16, 1921.
Location. 38° 40.673′ N, 87° 31.813′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Synod of Indiana of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The First Presbyterian Church In Indiana Territory (about 400 feet away); Cradle of Freemasonry in Indiana (about 600 feet away); Niblack Mansion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ellis Mansion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Vincennes (approx. 0.2 miles away); Knox County (Indiana) Gold Star Honor Roll (approx. 0.2 miles away); Home of Francis Vigo (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vincennes.
Also see . . . Pantheon Theatre on Wikipedia. (Submitted on July 25, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 23, 2021
2. Historic Pantheon Theatre Marker
Back side
Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 23, 2021
3. Historic Pantheon Theatre Marker
Marker is placed at a pocket park to the left of the theater
Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 23, 2021
4. Historic Pantheon Theatre
Photographed By Shane Oliver, July 23, 2021
5. Dedication plaque at the adjacent park.
Photographed By Shane Oliver, July 23, 2021
6. Dedication stone at the adjacent park.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 178 times since then and 29 times this year. Last updated on July 25, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 25, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 5, 6. submitted on July 25, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
