Gladstone in Delta County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
1000-1010 Delta Avenue
| | City of Gladstone Historic Tour | |
Photographed by Joel Seewald, October 9, 2025
1. 1000-1010 Delta Avenue Marker
This building has always been teeming with life and energy. Built in 1923 by the Northwestern Cooperage and Lumber Company as a Community Center. The excavation was done by Robert Nebal and foundation by Ole Peterson. The Grand Opening was held on March 17th, 1924. With a large banquette room and a theatre that could seat 500, it became "The Heart of the Community." The lower-level featured bowling alleys, billiard tables and a commercial kitchen. Meeting rooms and offices were on the second floor as were the Western Union and Railway Express offices. The first silent movie was "Little Old New York" viewed at the Grand Opening.
The building was sold to the Paramount Theatre Group from Chicago in 1927. The Barton Organ was added, and Viola Fischer was the first organist. The Rialto Marquee was constructed in 1929. The first talking movie was "The Jazz Singer" with Al Jolson. WLS Radio Stars from Chicago, performed on stage and Gene Autry was a guest on August 19th, 1958. John Vogt Managed the building for 49 years. In 1966 the Swenson Brothers Furniture Store was on the main level and Dr. Otto Hult's first office was upstairs.
The Rialto Center continues to preserve the buildings history while adapting to contemporary needs.
Erected by Gladstone Historical Committee
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is March 17, 1924.
Location. 45° 50.836′ N, 87° 1.359′ W. Marker is in Gladstone, Michigan, in Delta County. It is on Delta Avenue west of 10th Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1010 Delta Ave, Gladstone MI 49837, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 1005 Delta Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); 1003 Delta Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); 1001 Delta Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); 920 Delta Ave. (within shouting distance of this marker); 1023 Delta Ave. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 913-915 Delta Avenue (about 300 feet away); 911 Delta Avenue (about 300 feet away); 1100 Delta Avenue (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gladstone.
Also see . . .
1. Little Old New York. Link to the movie on the Internet Archive. (Submitted on November 7, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
2. The Jazz Singer. Link to the movie on the Internet Archive. (Submitted on November 7, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photographed by Joel Seewald, October 9, 2025
2. 1000-1010 Delta Avenue Marker
Marker is to the right of the Rialto Center Mall Entrance, below the "R" sign.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 54 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 7, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
