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 special old movie theater. You can find it in downtown Barrington, Illinois, USA. It's a single-screen theater, meaning it has one big screen for showing movies. This historic building has been a fun place for the community for many years.
Contents
The Catlow Theater's Story
How the Theater Began
The Catlow Theater was built by a businessman named Wright Catlow. His father had created a community gathering place called The Auditorium back in 1914. Wright wanted to follow in his father's footsteps. He wanted to build another important community spot. So, in May 1927, he decided to build the theater.
Unique Design and Art
The theater was designed by architects Betts & Holcomb. But the inside of the theater is truly special. A famous artist and sculptor named Alfonso Iannelli designed the interior. He was known for his "Prairie School" style of art.
The Catlow Theater looks like an old English hall from medieval times. This style is called Tudor Revival. Because of Iannelli's amazing work, the Catlow Theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a very important historic building.
Special Artistic Touches
Iannelli added many cool details to the theater. He designed the patterns on the ceiling, walls, and beams. Look closely, and you'll see sculpted heads that look like gargoyles. These heads are along each ceiling beam. There's also a beautiful sculpture called "Fountain Idyll" in the lobby.
Other neat things to see include three wall paintings of "coat-of-arms." These are like old family symbols. You can also spot iron lights on the walls and detailed wooden carvings. The theater even has its original hand-painted stage curtain.
From Silent Films to Today
Wright Catlow's brother, Chester, used to play the theater organ. When the theater first opened, it showed silent films. These were movies without spoken words. On Sundays, the theater also had live shows called vaudeville. Famous performers like Gene Autry and Sally Rand even performed there!
In 1934, the Catlow Theater started showing only movies. Wright Catlow sold the theater in 1964 to a film booker named Ed Skehan. On August 21, 1989, the theater was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This was a big honor!
In the fall of 2023, Brian and Julianne Long bought the Catlow Theater. They are long-time residents of Barrington. A new group called the Catlow1927 Foundation is working hard to restore the theater. They want it to be ready for its 100-year anniversary in 2027.
