Irving Theatre
Indianapolis, IN Photo courtesy Alan Culley
The Irving Theatre has been a fixture in Indianapolis' Irvington neighborhood since opening in 1913. The vintage neon blade sign still catches your eye along Washington Street and gives the theater plenty of old-school character. 01-08
When this photo was taken, the theater was undergoing a major renovation with hopes of reopening the following year. After sitting vacant for years, it was great to see someone step in and give this neighborhood landmark a second chance.
Today, the Irving has traded movies for live entertainment, but the building still serves the same purpose it did over a century ago—bringing people together. Best of all, the classic marquee still welcomes visitors just as it has for generations.
UPDATE: The Irving Theatre is once again a busy part of the Irvington community, hosting concerts, comedy, and a variety of live events throughout the year. Its restored neon blade sign continues to light up Washington Street and remains one of the neighborhood's best-known landmarks. 07-26
Oriental Theatre
Chicago, IL Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
The Oriental Theatre has been one of Chicago's grandest movie palaces since opening in 1926. Designed by the famed architectural firm of Rapp and Rapp, the theater is just as breathtaking inside as it is outside, with its lavish East Indian-inspired décor, grand arches, and ornate details that make every visit feel like a step back into the golden age of movie palaces. 11-09
When this photo was taken, the marquee featured a Ford logo that looked a little out of place on such a historic theater. It wasn't a replica, though. Following a major restoration in the late 1990s, the theater was renamed the Ford Center for the Performing Arts as part of a naming rights agreement.
Today, the theater is known as the James M. Nederlander Theatre. The Ford logo and historic Oriental sign have been replaced, but the beautifully restored theater continues to host Broadway productions in the heart of Chicago's Loop.
UPDATE: The theater remains open as the James M. Nederlander Theatre. The Ford-era marquee and Oriental sign were replaced in 2019. 07-26
Civic Theatre
Farmington, MI Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
The Civic Theatre has been lighting up downtown Farmington since 1940. Its colorful neon blade sign and marquee have welcomed moviegoers for generations, making it one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. 02-10
Designed by renowned theater architect C. Howard Crane, whose work also includes Detroit's magnificent Fox Theatre, the Civic was built in the sleek Art Moderne style that became popular during the late 1930s and early 1940s. While many theaters from that era have disappeared, this one has managed to retain much of the character that made it special from the very beginning.
For nearly 60 years, the theater remained in the hands of the Hohler family before the City of Farmington purchased it in 1999 to ensure its future. The interior has been thoughtfully updated with modern projection, sound, and comfortable seating, but the theater never lost the charm that has drawn moviegoers here for generations.
Civic Theatre
Farmington, MI Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Today, the Civic Theatre continues to show first-run movies beneath its beautifully restored neon. It's more than just a place to catch a film—it's one of those rare neighborhood landmarks that still brings a little life and color to downtown after the sun goes down.
UPDATE: The Civic Theatre remains open, and its historic neon marquee continues to shine over downtown Farmington. 07-26
Chicago Theatre
Chicago, IL Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
The Chicago Theatre is a French Baroque style theatre located along the north Loop of Chicago. When it opened in 1921, it was known as "the Wonder Theatre of the World". The Chicago Theatre went through a period of hard times culminating it its closing and pending demolition in the mid-1980's. The Chicago Theatre Restoration Associates and the City bought and restored the theatre and reopened in 1986 and has been home to first class acts ever since. See The Chicago Theatre website for more information.
Midland Theatre
Newark, OH Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Midland Theatre has been a downtown Newark landmark since opening in 1928. Its classic marquee and beautiful Spanish-inspired architecture made it one of the city's premier movie palaces, drawing crowds for films and live entertainment for more than 50 years. 09-13
The interior was every bit as impressive, with ornate details, a grand chandelier, and an atmosphere that made every visit feel special. Unfortunately, the theater closed in 1978 and sat vacant for years before The Longaberger Company stepped in to restore it.
Today, the Midland is once again the centerpiece of downtown Newark. Its restored marquee continues to light up the street while the theater hosts concerts, movies, comedians, and other live performances.
UPDATE: The Midland Theatre remains beautifully restored and continues to welcome audiences to downtown Newark. 07-26
Irving Theatre
Oriental Theatre
