Indiana Theater

Wabash Valley profiles : a series of tributes to hometown people and events that have shaped our history

Description:	One typed page including artists rendering of a photograph of the Indiana Theater taken in 1922. A brief history of the Indiana Theater, distinguished downtown Terre Haute landmark. Individuals mentioned include Theodore W. Barhydt, John Eberson, Raymond Mork, Sidney Smith, Raymond Bond Townsley, Paul Dresser, Thomas meighan, Agnes Ayers, Rudolph Valentino, Gloria Swanson, Wallace Reed, Bebe Daniels, Adolph Zukor. ABASH VALLEY WP R O F I L E SA series of tributes to hometown people and events that have shaped our history.The Indiana Theaterhe Indiana Theater, a distinguished downtown Terre Haute landmark for more than 75 years, remains one of the most beautiful theaters in America. Theodore W. Barhydt, the principal figure in its establishment, came to Terre Haute in 1897 to manage the new Grand Opera House immediately north of the Terre Haute House. A decade later, he established the Varieties Theater at the southwest corner of Eighth and Artists rendering of a photograph Wabash as the citys leading vaudeville house. taken in 1922. By 1914 local vaudeville had grown so popular that Barhydt built the Hippodrome Theater (now the Scottish Rite) at the southwest corner of Eighth and Ohio streets to accommodate the crowd. Soon after selling the Hippodrome in 1918, he devoted attention to erecting a majestic theater to handle both vaudeville and motion pictures. Forming the Indiana Theater Company, Barhydt raised more than $750,000 from investors. Esteemed Chicago theater architect John Eberson -- designer of the Hippodrome -- was enlisted to create an entertainment palace to accommodate 2000 patrons in stadium-style seating. John A. Schumacher & Co. of Indianapolis was the general contractor. Raymond Mork was Ebersons on-site superintendent. The theaters ornate domed ceiling was trimmed in 24-carat gold plate. Originally affiliated with Paramount Pictures, the Indiana officially opened on Jan. 28, 1922, though previews were given to stockholders and dignitaries. Theater employees wore costumes consistent with the theaters Spanish Andalusian motif. Peacocks strutted about the lobby, which included handsome mosaic tile floors, an elegant fountain and a marble staircase. The 12-foot Paramount Peacock at the top of the marquee required 3,000 light bulbs. Sidney Smith was the theaters first manager. The 20-piece Indiana Symphonic Orchestra, conducted by Raymond Bond Townsley, occupied the orchestra pit, which featured a $50,000 Wurlitzer Hope-Jones pipe organ. The organs massive pipes were concealed in the walls. Festivities began with an inspiring version of On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away by Terre Haute native Paul Dresser. The premier feature film was Cappy Ricks, starring Thomas Meighan and Agnes Ayers. Congratulatory messages from Meighan, Ayers, Rudolph Valentino, Gloria Swanson, Wallace Reed, Bebe Daniels and Adolph Zukor, president of Famous Players-Lasky Corp., were read. Despite its ambience and beauty, the Indiana Theater has not always enjoyed financial success. About a year after the theater opened, it was closed when the Wabash Theater Corp., owner of the Hippodrome and manager of the Grand, American and Liberty theaters, assumed its ownership. A portion of the marquee, including the peacock, was removed at the time. Though ownership has transferred numerous times since, few major changes have been made and it remains one of the communitys most notable architectural attractions.TTERRE HAUTE(812) 238-6000NATIONAL BANKAlways Close to HomeDate published: Dec. 21, 2000Filename: Indiana Theater profile
Origin:	2000-12-20
Created By:	McCormick, Mike
Publisher:	Terre Haute Tribune-Star
Source:	http://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/vchs/id/547
Collection:	Vigo County Historical Society
Rights:	http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/
Copyright:	Copyright Undetermined
Subjects:	Theaters Vaudeville shows Motion picture theaters Social Life Architecture Business & Industry

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