Catlow Theater facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Catlow Theatre
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| Location | Barrington, Illinois |
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| Architect | Betts & Holcomb, Alfonso Iannelli |
| Architectural style | Tudor Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 89001112 |
| Added to NRHP | August 21, 1989 |
The Catlow Theater is a historic movie theater located in downtown Barrington, Illinois. It is a special single-screen theater that has been showing movies for many years.
Contents
History of the Catlow Theater
Building a Community Dream
Wright Catlow was a businessman in Barrington. His father had built a community gathering place called The Auditorium in 1914. It was used for dances and town meetings. Wright wanted to continue his father's legacy. He decided to build a new community building, which became the Catlow Theater. Construction started in May 1927.
Unique Design and Art
The architects for the theater were Betts & Holcomb. A famous artist and sculptor named Alfonso Iannelli designed the inside. He was known for his "Prairie School" style. The theater's main design is Tudor Revival. This style makes it look like an old English hall from medieval times.
Because of Iannelli's amazing work, the Catlow Theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a very important historical building.
Special Artistic Touches
Iannelli added many cool details to the Catlow. He painted stencils on the ceiling, walls, and beams. He also sculpted gargoyle-like heads. These heads are found along each ceiling beam. In the inner lobby, there is a beautiful sculpture called "Fountain Idyll."
Other special features include three wall murals with coats-of-arms. There are also iron wall lights and detailed wooden carvings. These carvings are on the two organ lofts. The theater even has its original hand-painted stage curtain.
From Silent Films to Blockbusters
In the early days, Wright Catlow's brother, Chester, played the theater organ. The theater first showed silent films. On Sundays, it hosted live vaudeville shows. Vaudeville was a type of entertainment with different acts, like music, comedy, and dance. Famous performers like Gene Autry and Sally Rand even performed there.
In 1934, the Catlow Theater stopped showing live acts. From then on, it showed only movies. Wright Catlow sold the theater in 1964 to Ed Skehan, who booked films. On August 21, 1989, the theater received a special honor. The National Park Service added it to the National Register of Historic Places.
