Posted in: Historic Miscellania Architect for Theaters

It would be fair to say many an architect or architectural firm gets known for designing a predominant genre of building, and that appears to have been the case since the earliest days the trade...

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Posted in: At Your Leisure At Your Leisure: An Evening at The Fox Theater

By 1938, “The Colonial” had become”The Fox” Theatre. A hotel was also housed in the building. (Image: Bass Photo Co. Collection, Indiana Historical Society) Can you remember back when couples used to dance down at...

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Posted in: Sunday Prayers Sunday Prayers: Rivoli Theatre

Downtown Indianapolis. Noon. At most tables, the lunchtime chatter was of clients, projects and “the kids.” But at our table—which was crowded with soup, a sandwich and notebooks—there was talk of an empty, dilapidated property....

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Posted in: Family Tree Family Tree: Thespian Roots

This weekend I will be performing in a production of Little Shop of Horrors at The Belfry Theater in Noblesville, and it has led me to consider Indianapolis’ theatrical past. Theater has a long history...

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Posted in: Sunday Ads Sunday Adverts: Madame Walker Manufacturing, 1963

From a 1963 newspaper, an advert for the Madame C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company, featuring a photo of the theatre her company built in the late 1920’s. The theatre officially opened December 26, 1927 and...

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Posted in: A Room with a View Room With a View: Indiana Avenue to Walker Theatre

Here’s a snap from New Orleans on the Avenue, former home of Zing and many other businesses over the years. The Walker Theatre is celebrating its 85th birthday right now with a series of fun...

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Posted in: Friday Favorites Friday Favorite: Madame Walker Theatre

It’s one of the few standout flatiron buildings the city has left and is located just outside the northwestern most corner of the “Mile Square.” Built in 1927 and designed by the architectural firm, Rubush...

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Posted in: Then & Now Indianapolis Then and Now: Rivoli Theater- 3155 E. Tenth Street

With all of the attention focused on the near eastside during the Super Bowl Legacy Project, one building is near the top of everyone’s list of restoration: the Rivoli Theater at 3155 E. Tenth Street....

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Posted in: Indianapolis Collected Indianapolis Collected: Comedy, beer and clog-dancing acrobats

The English Opera House opened to accolades on September 27, 1880, with famed Shakespearean actor Lawrence Barrett appearing in the role of Hamlet. But enough about the theater. Today’s article is about The Theatre –...

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Posted in: Then & Now Indianapolis Then and Now: Talbott Theatre 2143 N. Talbott Street

The Talbott Theater has housed a variety of entertainment venues at 2143 N. Talbott Street since the mid-1920s. The building was designed by architect George V. Bedell and opened as a 1,042-seat silent movie theater....

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Posted in: Then & Now Indianapolis Then and Now: Ritz Theatre 3430 N. Illinois Street

Sometimes these “then and now” columns get frustrating. When I discover a great old photograph of an unknown building, I check out the location on old maps and in aerial photos, then search the address...

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Posted in: Friday Favorites Friday Favorite: Fountain Square Theatre Building

Who doesn’t love the Fountain Square Theatre Building? Designed by architect Frank Hunter, fellow architect and brother of  Edgar O. Hunter (of Rubush & Hunter), it opened in 1928 and closed in 1960. The signage...

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Posted in: Outside the Circle Fall in Franklin

Early fall is a great time to leave the big city behind, and take a day trip to one of our area’s lovely small towns. The town of Franklin is only about a half hour’s...

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