Devils Lake in Ramsey County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Lake Theater

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

1. Lake Theater Marker

Inscription. This building
contributes to the
Devils Lake Commercial District
placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
1989

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.

Location. 48° 6.712′ N, 98° 51.542′ W. Marker is in Devils Lake, North Dakota, in Ramsey County. Marker is at the intersection of 5th Avenue Northeast and 4th Street Northeast, on the right when traveling south on 5th Avenue Northeast. The marker is mounted at the southeast corner of the subject building, facing 5th Avenue Northeast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 423 4th Street Northeast, Devils Lake ND 58301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gilbertson Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Flynn & Traynor Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Downtown Devils Lake Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Shannon Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Antiques Store (within shouting distance of this

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marker); The Lake “Mníwakháŋ” (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); History of Devils Lake (about 300 feet away); The Origin of Devils Lake (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Devils Lake.

Regarding Lake Theater. Contributing property, Devils Lake Commercial District, National Register of Historic Places #89001675.

From the National Register Nomination: Lake Theater (1924)
Of the movie house genre, only the Art Deco Lake Theater remains. The building, an undistinguished and subtle rendering of the Art Deco theme, has been included as a contributing property for its status as the only extant theater in the District. Typical facade arrangement with quoined limestone blocks used to frame the central bay and marquee. Grouped windows with multiple muntins are other character defining features. In the past, it was home to both live theater and road entertainment.
The Commercial District presents a collection of structures reflecting, in one aspect or another, the evolution of Devils Lake from the railroad era to the age of the automobile. The physical appearance of the Commercial District
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

2. Lake Theater (south/front elevation)
building stock may be characterized as two-story and predominantly brick, with gradations in the color and in the size and craftsmanship of mortar joints. The bulk of Commercial District properties in Devils Lake are in many respects connected to events of railroad expansion in northeastern North Dakota. Railroad tributaries enabled merchants to make quick shipments, and abundant supplies of fuel, wood and coal were added inducements for retail growth. Most of the Commercial District growth took place within the context of two major development periods: The First Dakota Boom between 1879 and 1886, and The Second Dakota Boom, 1898-1917. Outside boom periods, the character of District properties was undoubtedly shaped by the latent effects of increased rail traffic and a broadening exposure to new methods and fashions in the building industry.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Devils Lake Commercial District

Also see . . . Devils Lake Commercial District (Wikipedia). Excerpt:

The Devils Lake Commercial District in Devils Lake, North Dakota is a 15-acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

(Submitted on February 29, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Lake Theater (<i>southeast elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

3. Lake Theater (southeast elevation)

The marker is mounted at the southeast corner of the building, between the corner and the window.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 46 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 28, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.