Indianola in Warren County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
127 N. Buxton
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 18, 2026
1. 127 N. Buxton Marker
While this building is one of the newest on the Indianola Square, this address was home to the Empress Theatre as early as 1915. The headlines of July 3, 1936 announced "A wrecking crew late Tuesday began the work of tearing down the Empress Theatre, of which Will J. Eddy is owner, preparatory to the erection of a new playhouse which will have all the latest equipment found in deluxe theatres in the larger cities."
Mr. Eddy held true to his self proclamation and continued to showcase many films until 1974 when he sold the theater to Mr. Jack VanderLinden and the Empress became the Tomahawk. For many people the theater was a place for making memories. Whether it was the place for a child's first film or a couple's first date, movies of all kinds played here until 1988 when the final show "Sweet Hearts Dance" played out on a Sunday night. (see photo above).
The building then became home to Tim McConnell Photography for the next decade. When Mr. McConnell's business relocated off the square in 1999. 127 North Buxton became home to the Stitching Place which celebrates its 10th anniversary at the time of this plaque
this page online
Erected by Warren County Philanthropic Partnership; Girl Scouts Troop 225; and the Stitching Place.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is July 3, 1936.
Location. 41° 21.676′ N, 93° 33.742′ W. Marker is in Indianola, Iowa, in Warren County. It is at the intersection of North Buxton Street and West Ashland Avenue, on the right when traveling south on North Buxton Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 127 N Buxton St, Indianola IA 50125, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Des Moines. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 126 West Ashland (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 18, 2026
2. 127 N. Buxton Marker
Also see . . . The Stitching Place (official website). An Indianola business since 1983, specializing in sewing and quilting products. (Submitted on November 13, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 13, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
