Winterset in Madison County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
121 John Wayne Drive
c.1900
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 18, 2014
1. 121 John Wayne Drive Marker
This building was originally one story. It served as a meat market and then the Ideal Restaurant for a few years. Upon completion of the second story, the building became a theater and live vaudeville performances were held on stage.
In 1916, Bruce Pettit took over half interest of the Iowa Theatre, owned by R. C. Goshorn. Mr. Pettit later became the sole owner. Records show Eb Hayes as a proprietor as well.
The second story facade of the building remains nearly original. The marquee dates between 1920 and 1930. Inside, one stairway was removed, and most of the balcony was eventually closed. For the Winterset Centennial program in 1949, some of the seats were reupholstered with a new leather-type covering that was promised not to fade on customers' clothing.
The movie The Bridges of Madison County premiered at the Iowa Theatre in 1995.
Miles Derrick is the current manager of this landmark.
Erected 2010 by Madison County Antique Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.
Location. 41° 20.117′ N, 94° 0.795′ W. Marker is in Winterset, Iowa, in Madison County. Marker is on John Wayne
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 106 East Jefferson (here, next to this marker); 119 North John Wayne Drive (a few steps from this marker); 117 North John Wayne Drive (a few steps from this marker); 101 East Jefferson (within shouting distance of this marker); 115 John Wayne Drive (within shouting distance of this marker); 113 John Wayne Drive (within shouting distance of this marker); 73 Jefferson (within shouting distance of this marker); 71 Jefferson (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winterset.
Also see . . .
1. History of Madison County, Iowa. (Submitted on March 23, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Discover Madison County, Iowa. (Submitted on March 23, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Madison County Theatre on Facebook. (Submitted on March 23, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 18, 2014
2. 121 John Wayne Drive and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 505 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 23, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
