State Theatre
Bay City, MI Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
The State Theatre in Bay City, MI opened its doors in 1908 when it was known as the Bijou. The theatre, a vaudeville and burlesque house, was renovated in 1930 and designed in the art deco style popular during that era. Today, the State Theatre is home to live events, film, and other events including being home to the Sate Theatre Youth Orchestra. More information can be found at the State Theatre website, including current events at the theatre. 07-09
Temple Theatre
Saginaw, MI Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Check out this old movie house called the Temple Theatre. The Temple has entertained audiences in Saginaw, MI for over 80 years with entertainment ranging from vaudeville acts and silent films in its early years to recording artists and symphony concerts.
The Temple Theatre has received numerous historic preservation related awards such as the 2005 Governor Award for Historic Preservation and the Michigan Historic Preservation Network 2006 Building Award. For more information, see the Temple Theatre website. 07-09
Des Plaines Theatre
Des Plaines, IL Photo courtesy Tammy
Terwelp
Here's the old marquee at the Des Plaines Theatre in the town of the same name. The Des Plaines was built in 1925 in the Spanish Baroque Revival style and once hosted well known performers such as Gene Autry. The theatre added a second screen in 1987 then went through a series of transitions including closure a decade later. The Des Plaines Preservation Society was formed to save the theatre from the threat of demolition and has received some refurbishment. For more information including historical photos of the theatre, see the Des Plaines Theater Preservation Society website. 11-09
New American Theater (Closed)
Rockford, IL Photo courtesy Kelly Sullivan
Check out the New American Theater as it looked in downtown Rockford, IL. According to the Rockford Register Star, the theater has reopened in 2007 under the name of 118 Center. 08-10
UPDATE 07/11 : Here's a photo of now closed and former New American Theatre. The building used to be home to an old five and dime store. The place is now called the Sullivan Center. 07-11
New American Theatre
Rockford, IL Photo courtesy Kelly Sullivan
Prairie Cinema (Closed)
Beloit, WI Photo courtesy Kelly Sullivan
Here's the marquee for the Prairie Cinema from Beloit, WI. According to Cinema Treasures, the Prairie opened in 1980 with the screens then expanded to five screens sometime in the 1990's. The theater eventually closed down in 1997 and is now a sporting good store and batting cage. 08-10
State Theatre
Temple Theatre
Des Plaines Theatre
New American Theater (Closed)
Prairie Cinema (Closed)
