ORPHEUM - Revision history

Randylyon at 15:27, 29 April 2024

2024-04-29T15:27:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:27, 29 April 2024
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	Led by Norman and representatives of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], U. S. Rep. John Culver toured the Orpheum in October, 1971. By then the concept of restoring the theater and constructing a complete exhibition center adjoining it at 5th and Main had grown popular among local business leaders and civic officials. The city council, for example, had reserved a full block of urban renewal land to encourage the project. (14) Culver pledged he would look into the possibility of federal aid. Possibilities, he believed, lay with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National Preservation Act. (15)		Led by Norman and representatives of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], U. S. Rep. John Culver toured the Orpheum in October, 1971. By then the concept of restoring the theater and constructing a complete exhibition center adjoining it at 5th and Main had grown popular among local business leaders and civic officials. The city council, for example, had reserved a full block of urban renewal land to encourage the project. (14) Culver pledged he would look into the possibility of federal aid. Possibilities, he believed, lay with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National Preservation Act. (15)

			In 1972 the Orpheum was added to the [[NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES]].

	In 1974 the theater was owned by the city but leased to the [[DUBUQUE THEATRE CORPORATION]] to show films. On April 8, 1974 restoration on the exterior began as the start of the developing the [[FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER]]. (16)		In 1974 the theater was owned by the city but leased to the [[DUBUQUE THEATRE CORPORATION]] to show films. On April 8, 1974 restoration on the exterior began as the start of the developing the [[FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER]]. (16)

Randylyon at 15:23, 29 April 2024

2024-04-29T15:23:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:23, 29 April 2024
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	[[Image:playbill.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald and Paul Hemmer]]		[[Image:playbill.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald and Paul Hemmer]]

	By 1969 the Orpheum along with much of the area around Lower Main Street was suffering disastrous economic times. There was consideration for razing the theater and constructing a comparable modern replacement as part of a fifteen-~~blook~~ [[URBAN RENEWAL]] project. Razing the Orpheum and building a replacement theater, however, was estimated to cost between $1,250,000 and $1,500,000. Renovation of the Orpheum and building a civic center was estimated then to cost $1.3 million. Historically, the Orpheum was located where theaters had existed since the [[ATHENAEUM]] was constructed in 1840. Architectural historian Denys Peter Myers of the federal Historic Buildings Survey had written:		By 1969 the Orpheum along with much of the area around Lower Main Street was suffering disastrous economic times. There was consideration for razing the theater and constructing a comparable modern replacement as part of a fifteen-block [[URBAN RENEWAL]] project. Razing the Orpheum and building a replacement theater, however, was estimated to cost between $1,250,000 and $1,500,000. Renovation of the Orpheum and building a civic center was estimated then to cost $1.3 million. Historically, the Orpheum was located where theaters had existed since the [[ATHENAEUM]] was constructed in 1840. Architectural historian Denys Peter Myers of the federal Historic Buildings Survey had written:

	The building has great potential as a preservable example		The building has great potential as a preservable example
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	cities.' (11)		cities.' (11)

	The project was named [[FIVE FLAGS (name)]] for the five national flags that have flown over this area. Articles of incorporation for the proposed civic center stated that if the project failed, the funds collected to that point would revert to the City of Dubuque for a civic project which the council considered worthwhile. (12)		The project was named [[FIVE FLAGS (name)]] for the five national flags that have flown over this area. The fundraising campaign gathered an estimated $750,000 in pledges and donations toward the civic center project. (12) Articles of incorporation for the proposed civic center stated that if the project failed, the funds collected to that point would revert to the City of Dubuque for a civic project which the council considered worthwhile. (13)

	Led by Norman and representatives of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], U. S. Rep. John Culver toured the Orpheum in October, 1971. By then the concept of restoring the theater and constructing a complete exhibition center adjoining it at 5th and Main had grown popular among local business leaders and civic officials. The city council, for example, had reserved a full block of urban renewal land to encourage the project. (13) Culver pledged he would look into the possibility of federal aid. Possibilities, he believed, lay with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National Preservation Act. (14)		Led by Norman and representatives of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], U. S. Rep. John Culver toured the Orpheum in October, 1971. By then the concept of restoring the theater and constructing a complete exhibition center adjoining it at 5th and Main had grown popular among local business leaders and civic officials. The city council, for example, had reserved a full block of urban renewal land to encourage the project. (14) Culver pledged he would look into the possibility of federal aid. Possibilities, he believed, lay with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National Preservation Act. (15)

	In 1974 the theater was owned by the city but leased to the [[DUBUQUE THEATRE CORPORATION]] to show films. On April 8, 1974 restoration on the exterior began as the start of the developing the [[FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER]]. (15)		In 1974 the theater was owned by the city but leased to the [[DUBUQUE THEATRE CORPORATION]] to show films. On April 8, 1974 restoration on the exterior began as the start of the developing the [[FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER]]. (16)

	On January 14, 1976 the Dubuque Recreation Commission, Five Flags Executive Committee, and the Dubuque City Council decided that an ad hoc committee should hire a full-time theater manager and operate the Orpheum until a permanent organization was established. It was also agreed that the theater should have a separate budget from the city's Recreation Commission. The theater was scheduled to be turned over to the city from the Five Flags Executive Committee on March 1st. Members of the ad hoc committee included Mayor [[LUNDH, Alvin Emil\|Alvin Emil LUNDH]] and representatives of the Recreation Commission, Five Flags Executive Committee, Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, [[DUBUQUE ARTS COUNCIL]], Citizens Advisory Commission, and labor groups. It was also decided to have a cost-analysis for a second bond issue referendum to fund the construction of the center. (16)		On January 14, 1976 the Dubuque Recreation Commission, Five Flags Executive Committee, and the Dubuque City Council decided that an ad hoc committee should hire a full-time theater manager and operate the Orpheum until a permanent organization was established. It was also agreed that the theater should have a separate budget from the city's Recreation Commission. The theater was scheduled to be turned over to the city from the Five Flags Executive Committee on March 1st. Members of the ad hoc committee included Mayor [[LUNDH, Alvin Emil\|Alvin Emil LUNDH]] and representatives of the Recreation Commission, Five Flags Executive Committee, Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, [[DUBUQUE ARTS COUNCIL]], Citizens Advisory Commission, and labor groups. It was also decided to have a cost-analysis for a second bond issue referendum to fund the construction of the center. (17)


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	11. Brimeyer, Jack. "Dubuquers to Push Five Flags Plan Tomorrow in Washington," ''Telegraph-Herald'', February 25, 1973, p. 12		11. Brimeyer, Jack. "Dubuquers to Push Five Flags Plan Tomorrow in Washington," ''Telegraph-Herald'', February 25, 1973, p. 12

	12. "5 Flags ~~Support Sought~~," ''Telegraph Herald'', ~~November 15~~, ~~1973~~, ~~p. 12~~		12. Hogstrom, Erik, "Orpheum Theater Restoration Work Began Creation of Five Flags Civic Center 50 Years Ago," Telegraph Herald, Apr. 25, 2024, p5A

	13~~. Miller, Jim~~. "~~Five~~ Flags ~~Loses Shot at $1 Million~~," ''Telegraph Herald'', ~~April 29~~, ~~1974~~, p. 1		13. "5 Flags Support Sought," ''Telegraph Herald'', November 15, 1973, p. 12

	14. "~~'Town Hall Meeting Planned to Discuss 5~~ Flags ~~Future~~," ''Telegraph Herald'', ~~December 5~~, 1974, p. 18		14. Miller, Jim. "Five Flags Loses Shot at $1 Million," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 29, 1974, p. 1

	15. ~~Miller, Jim,~~ "~~Marquee Falls~~ to ~~Restoration~~," ''Telegraph Herald'', ~~April 8~~, 1974, p. 4		15. "'Town Hall Meeting Planned to Discuss 5 Flags Future," ''Telegraph Herald'', December 5, 1974, p. 18

	16. "Orpheum Theatre to Open With Concert," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 15, 1976, p. 9		16. Miller, Jim, "Marquee Falls to Restoration," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 8, 1974, p. 4

			17. "Orpheum Theatre to Open With Concert," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 15, 1976, p. 9

	[[Category: Theater]]		[[Category: Theater]]

Randylyon at 01:18, 23 October 2019

2019-10-23T01:18:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:18, 23 October 2019
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	The new owners, World Theater Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota released news of renovations scheduled for the Orpheum in 1956. An estimated $75,000 (equivalent to $689,899.25 in 2018) would be spent on relaying the auditorium floor, respacing the seating for comfort, installing a "waterfall" state curtain, repainting the auditorium walls, closing off the rear of the auditorium to reduce traffic noise with replacement of the rear lobby wall and new doors. The ceilings were to be lowered to house indirect lighting. The Rococo decoration would be updated. There would also be a new concession area and the restrooms would be redesigned for a "glamorous and beautiful effect." (9)		The new owners, World Theater Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota released news of renovations scheduled for the Orpheum in 1956. An estimated $75,000 (equivalent to $689,899.25 in 2018) would be spent on relaying the auditorium floor, respacing the seating for comfort, installing a "waterfall" state curtain, repainting the auditorium walls, closing off the rear of the auditorium to reduce traffic noise with replacement of the rear lobby wall and new doors. The ceilings were to be lowered to house indirect lighting. The Rococo decoration would be updated. There would also be a new concession area and the restrooms would be redesigned for a "glamorous and beautiful effect." (9)

	[[File:5FLAGS.png\|850px\|thumb\|left\|An entire block was scheduled for demolition during urban renewal. Saving the Orpheum Theatre and restoring it led to converting the entire block into [[FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER]]. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]		[[File:5FLAGS.png\|850px\|thumb\|left\|An entire block was scheduled for demolition during urban renewal. Saving the Orpheum Theatre and restoring it led to converting the entire block into [[FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER]]. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]

			[[File:apr74.png\|250px\|thumb\|left\|On April 8, 1974 exterior renovation began. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]

	[[Image:interior-1.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Interior view]]		[[Image:interior-1.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Interior view]]

Randylyon at 01:15, 23 October 2019

2019-10-23T01:15:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:15, 23 October 2019
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	Led by Norman and representatives of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], U. S. Rep. John Culver toured the Orpheum in October, 1971. By then the concept of restoring the theater and constructing a complete exhibition center adjoining it at 5th and Main had grown popular among local business leaders and civic officials. The city council, for example, had reserved a full block of urban renewal land to encourage the project. (13) Culver pledged he would look into the possibility of federal aid. Possibilities, he believed, lay with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National Preservation Act. (14)		Led by Norman and representatives of the [[DUBUQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]], U. S. Rep. John Culver toured the Orpheum in October, 1971. By then the concept of restoring the theater and constructing a complete exhibition center adjoining it at 5th and Main had grown popular among local business leaders and civic officials. The city council, for example, had reserved a full block of urban renewal land to encourage the project. (13) Culver pledged he would look into the possibility of federal aid. Possibilities, he believed, lay with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National Preservation Act. (14)

	On January 14, 1976 the Dubuque Recreation Commission, Five Flags Executive Committee, and the Dubuque City Council decided that an ad hoc committee should hire a full-time theater manager and operate the Orpheum until a permanent organization was established. It was also agreed that the theater should have a separate budget from the city's Recreation Commission. The theater was scheduled to be turned over to the city from the Five Flags Executive Committee on March 1st. Members of the ad hoc committee included Mayor [[LUNDH, Alvin Emil\|Alvin Emil LUNDH]] and representatives of the Recreation Commission, Five Flags Executive Committee, Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, [[DUBUQUE ARTS COUNCIL]], Citizens Advisory Commission, and labor groups. It was also decided to have a cost-analysis for a second bond issue referendum to fund the construction of the center. (15)		In 1974 the theater was owned by the city but leased to the [[DUBUQUE THEATRE CORPORATION]] to show films. On April 8, 1974 restoration on the exterior began as the start of the developing the [[FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER]]. (15)

			On January 14, 1976 the Dubuque Recreation Commission, Five Flags Executive Committee, and the Dubuque City Council decided that an ad hoc committee should hire a full-time theater manager and operate the Orpheum until a permanent organization was established. It was also agreed that the theater should have a separate budget from the city's Recreation Commission. The theater was scheduled to be turned over to the city from the Five Flags Executive Committee on March 1st. Members of the ad hoc committee included Mayor [[LUNDH, Alvin Emil\|Alvin Emil LUNDH]] and representatives of the Recreation Commission, Five Flags Executive Committee, Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, [[DUBUQUE ARTS COUNCIL]], Citizens Advisory Commission, and labor groups. It was also decided to have a cost-analysis for a second bond issue referendum to fund the construction of the center. (16)

	~~See: [[FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER]]~~

	---		---
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	13. Miller, Jim. "Five Flags Loses Shot at $1 Million," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 29, 1974, p. 1		13. Miller, Jim. "Five Flags Loses Shot at $1 Million," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 29, 1974, p. 1

	14. "'Town Hall Meeting Planned to Discuss 5 Flags Future," ''Telegraph Herald'', ~~Deember~~ 5, 1974, p. 18		14. "'Town Hall Meeting Planned to Discuss 5 Flags Future," ''Telegraph Herald'', December 5, 1974, p. 18

			15. Miller, Jim, "Marquee Falls to Restoration," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 8, 1974, p. 4

	15. "Orpheum Theatre to Open With Concert," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 15, 1976, p. 9		16. "Orpheum Theatre to Open With Concert," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 15, 1976, p. 9

	[[Category: Theater]]		[[Category: Theater]]

Randylyon at 20:01, 9 February 2018

2018-02-09T20:01:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:01, 9 February 2018
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	ORPHEUM THEATRE. In 1932 even as the U.S. economy foundered, RKO, an American film production and distribution company, began buying up theaters to add to its exhibition chain. RKO was formed after the Keith-Albee-Orpheum (KAO) theater chains and Joseph P. Kennedy's Film Booking Offices of America (FBO) studio were brought together under the control of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in October 1928. The [[SPENSLEY THEATER]], one of many purchased, became part of the RKO film theater circuit and was renamed the RKO ORPHEUM around 1934.		[[Image:THEATERHISTORY.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Theater History. Courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]ORPHEUM THEATRE. In 1932 even as the U.S. economy foundered, RKO, an American film production and distribution company, began buying up theaters to add to its exhibition chain. RKO was formed after the Keith-Albee-Orpheum (KAO) theater chains and Joseph P. Kennedy's Film Booking Offices of America (FBO) studio were brought together under the control of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in October 1928. The [[SPENSLEY THEATER]], one of many purchased, became part of the RKO film theater circuit and was renamed the RKO ORPHEUM around 1934.

	In February, 1937 the "Hawaiian Follies," a 45-minute production by native Hawaiian singers and dancers, was shown. (1) On March 16, 1937, the most popular orchestra, musical group, pianist, instrumental soloist, and singer from Tuesday night's "Radio-Stage Varieties," sponsored by the [[DUBUQUE MUSICIANS' PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION]], were selected by theater patrons who voted for their choice in each category. Winners were featured together on the final "Varieties" show on March 23. (2)		In February, 1937 the "Hawaiian Follies," a 45-minute production by native Hawaiian singers and dancers, was shown. (1) On March 16, 1937, the most popular orchestra, musical group, pianist, instrumental soloist, and singer from Tuesday night's "Radio-Stage Varieties," sponsored by the [[DUBUQUE MUSICIANS' PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION]], were selected by theater patrons who voted for their choice in each category. Winners were featured together on the final "Varieties" show on March 23. (2)

Randylyon at 04:39, 7 February 2018

2018-02-07T04:39:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:39, 7 February 2018
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	ORPHEUM THEATRE. In 1932 even as the U.S. economy foundered, RKO, an American film production and distribution company, began buying up ~~theater after theater~~ to add to its exhibition chain. RKO was formed after the Keith-Albee-Orpheum (KAO) theater chains and Joseph P. Kennedy's Film Booking Offices of America (FBO) studio were brought together under the control of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in October 1928. The [[SPENSLEY THEATER]], one of many purchased, became part of the RKO film theater circuit and was renamed the RKO ORPHEUM around 1934.		ORPHEUM THEATRE. In 1932 even as the U.S. economy foundered, RKO, an American film production and distribution company, began buying up theaters to add to its exhibition chain. RKO was formed after the Keith-Albee-Orpheum (KAO) theater chains and Joseph P. Kennedy's Film Booking Offices of America (FBO) studio were brought together under the control of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in October 1928. The [[SPENSLEY THEATER]], one of many purchased, became part of the RKO film theater circuit and was renamed the RKO ORPHEUM around 1934.

	~~Despite the choice of management not to retain Jake Rosenthal as manager, activities continued at the theater that carried his style.~~ In February, 1937 the "Hawaiian Follies," a 45-minute production by native Hawaiian singers and dancers, was shown. (1) On March 16, 1937, the most popular orchestra, musical group, pianist, instrumental soloist, and singer from Tuesday night's "Radio-Stage Varieties," sponsored by the [[DUBUQUE MUSICIANS' PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION]], were selected by theater patrons who voted for their choice in each category. Winners were featured together on the final "Varieties" show on March 23. (2)		In February, 1937 the "Hawaiian Follies," a 45-minute production by native Hawaiian singers and dancers, was shown. (1) On March 16, 1937, the most popular orchestra, musical group, pianist, instrumental soloist, and singer from Tuesday night's "Radio-Stage Varieties," sponsored by the [[DUBUQUE MUSICIANS' PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION]], were selected by theater patrons who voted for their choice in each category. Winners were featured together on the final "Varieties" show on March 23. (2)

	[[Image:cooking.png\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Cooking school at the Orpheum. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]In 1936 and again from April 27-30, 1937, the Orpheum became the "Telegraph-Herald Foods of the Nation Cooking School." Featuring Miss Lucille Harris, cookery expert of the National Livestock and Meat Board, the school promised live demonstrations of cooking. For every program "an attractive recipe folder" was to given each woman attending to contain the printed directions for all the dishes prepared that day. (3) At various times the newspaper hosted the cooking school at the Eagles Hall and the Cooper building at 3rd and Main. (4) Food was the price of admission at the ninth annual benefit motion picture program sponsored by the Lion's Club. Nearly anything edible allowed a child to watch two movies and cartoons. Food was distributed by case workers of the local Iowa Emergency Relief Administration. (5)		[[Image:cooking.png\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Cooking school at the Orpheum. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]In 1936 and again from April 27-30, 1937, the Orpheum became the "Telegraph-Herald Foods of the Nation Cooking School." Featuring Miss Lucille Harris, cookery expert of the National Livestock and Meat Board, the school promised live demonstrations of cooking. For every program "an attractive recipe folder" was to given each woman attending to contain the printed directions for all the dishes prepared that day. (3) At various times the newspaper hosted the cooking school at the Eagles Hall and the Cooper building at 3rd and Main. (4) Food was the price of admission at the ninth annual benefit motion picture program sponsored by the Lion's Club. Nearly anything edible allowed a child to watch two movies and cartoons. Food was distributed by case workers of the local Iowa Emergency Relief Administration. (5)

Randylyon at 17:29, 6 February 2018

2018-02-06T17:29:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:29, 6 February 2018
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	ORPHEUM THEATRE. In 1932 even as the U.S. economy foundered, RKO, an American film production and distribution company, began buying up theater after theater to add to its exhibition chain. RKO was formed after the Keith-Albee-Orpheum (KAO) theater chains and Joseph P. Kennedy's Film Booking Offices of America (FBO) studio were brought together under the control of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in October 1928. [[SPENSLEY ~~(THE)~~]], one of many purchased, became part of the RKO film theater circuit and was renamed the RKO ORPHEUM around 1934.		ORPHEUM THEATRE. In 1932 even as the U.S. economy foundered, RKO, an American film production and distribution company, began buying up theater after theater to add to its exhibition chain. RKO was formed after the Keith-Albee-Orpheum (KAO) theater chains and Joseph P. Kennedy's Film Booking Offices of America (FBO) studio were brought together under the control of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in October 1928. The [[SPENSLEY THEATER]], one of many purchased, became part of the RKO film theater circuit and was renamed the RKO ORPHEUM around 1934.

	Despite the choice of management not to retain Jake Rosenthal as manager, activities continued at the theater that carried his style. In February, 1937 the "Hawaiian Follies," a 45-minute production by native Hawaiian singers and dancers, was shown. (1) On March 16, 1937, the most popular orchestra, musical group, pianist, instrumental soloist, and singer from Tuesday night's "Radio-Stage Varieties," sponsored by the [[DUBUQUE MUSICIANS' PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION]], were selected by theater patrons who voted for their choice in each category. Winners were featured together on the final "Varieties" show on March 23. (2)		Despite the choice of management not to retain Jake Rosenthal as manager, activities continued at the theater that carried his style. In February, 1937 the "Hawaiian Follies," a 45-minute production by native Hawaiian singers and dancers, was shown. (1) On March 16, 1937, the most popular orchestra, musical group, pianist, instrumental soloist, and singer from Tuesday night's "Radio-Stage Varieties," sponsored by the [[DUBUQUE MUSICIANS' PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION]], were selected by theater patrons who voted for their choice in each category. Winners were featured together on the final "Varieties" show on March 23. (2)

Randylyon at 04:31, 5 February 2018

2018-02-05T04:31:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:31, 5 February 2018
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	[[Image:playbill.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald and Paul Hemmer]]		[[Image:playbill.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald and Paul Hemmer]]

	By 1969 the Orpheum along with much of the area around Lower Main Street was suffering disastrous economic times. ~~The theater, the successor of the [[MAJESTIC THEATRE]]~~ was ~~scheduled~~ for ~~demolition~~ as part of a fifteen-~~block~~ [[URBAN RENEWAL]] project~~. There was consideration for razing the theater and constructing a comparable modern replacement~~. Razing the Orpheum and building a replacement theater, however, was estimated to cost between $1,250,000 and $1,500,000. Renovation of the Orpheum and building a civic center was estimated then to cost $1.3 million. Historically, the Orpheum was located where theaters had existed since the [[ATHENAEUM]] was constructed in 1840. Architectural historian Denys Peter Myers of the federal Historic Buildings Survey had written:		By 1969 the Orpheum along with much of the area around Lower Main Street was suffering disastrous economic times. There was consideration for razing the theater and constructing a comparable modern replacement as part of a fifteen-blook [[URBAN RENEWAL]] project. Razing the Orpheum and building a replacement theater, however, was estimated to cost between $1,250,000 and $1,500,000. Renovation of the Orpheum and building a civic center was estimated then to cost $1.3 million. Historically, the Orpheum was located where theaters had existed since the [[ATHENAEUM]] was constructed in 1840. Architectural historian Denys Peter Myers of the federal Historic Buildings Survey had written:

	The building has great potential as a preservable example		The building has great potential as a preservable example

Randylyon at 03:58, 5 February 2018

2018-02-05T03:58:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:58, 5 February 2018
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	ORPHEUM THEATRE. In 1932 even as the U.S. economy foundered, RKO, an American film production and distribution company, began buying up theater after theater to add to its exhibition chain. RKO was formed after the Keith-Albee-Orpheum (KAO) theater chains and Joseph P. Kennedy's Film Booking Offices of America (FBO) studio were brought together under the control of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in October 1928. ~~The~~ [[~~MAJESTIC THEATRE~~]], one of many purchased, became part of the RKO film theater circuit and was renamed the RKO ORPHEUM around 1934.		ORPHEUM THEATRE. In 1932 even as the U.S. economy foundered, RKO, an American film production and distribution company, began buying up theater after theater to add to its exhibition chain. RKO was formed after the Keith-Albee-Orpheum (KAO) theater chains and Joseph P. Kennedy's Film Booking Offices of America (FBO) studio were brought together under the control of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in October 1928. [[SPENSLEY (THE)]], one of many purchased, became part of the RKO film theater circuit and was renamed the RKO ORPHEUM around 1934.

	Despite the choice of management not to retain Jake Rosenthal as manager, activities continued at the theater that carried his style. In February, 1937 the "Hawaiian Follies," a 45-minute production by native Hawaiian singers and dancers, was shown. (1) On March 16, 1937, the most popular orchestra, musical group, pianist, instrumental soloist, and singer from Tuesday night's "Radio-Stage Varieties," sponsored by the [[DUBUQUE MUSICIANS' PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION]], were selected by theater patrons who voted for their choice in each category. Winners were featured together on the final "Varieties" show on March 23. (2)		Despite the choice of management not to retain Jake Rosenthal as manager, activities continued at the theater that carried his style. In February, 1937 the "Hawaiian Follies," a 45-minute production by native Hawaiian singers and dancers, was shown. (1) On March 16, 1937, the most popular orchestra, musical group, pianist, instrumental soloist, and singer from Tuesday night's "Radio-Stage Varieties," sponsored by the [[DUBUQUE MUSICIANS' PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION]], were selected by theater patrons who voted for their choice in each category. Winners were featured together on the final "Varieties" show on March 23. (2)

Randylyon at 03:58, 5 February 2018

2018-02-05T03:58:00Z

@@ Line 19: / Line 19: @@
 [[Image:interior-3.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Interior view]]
 [[Image:playbill.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald and Paul Hemmer]]
 By 1969 the Orpheum along with much of the area around Lower Main Street was suffering disastrous economic times.  The theater, the successor of the [[MAJESTIC THEATRE]] was scheduled for demolition as part of a fifteen-block [[URBAN RENEWAL]] project. There was consideration for razing the theater and constructing a comparable modern replacement. Razing the Orpheum and building a replacement theater, however, was estimated to cost between $1,250,000 and $1,500,000. Renovation of the Orpheum and building a civic center was estimated then to cost $1.3 million. Historically, the Orpheum was located where theaters had existed since the [[ATHENAEUM]] was constructed in 1840. Architectural historian Denys Peter Myers of the federal Historic Buildings Survey had written: