Ohio Theatre (Lima, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ohio Theatre
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Front of the Ohio Theatre
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 122 W. North St., Lima, Ohio |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1927 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Churrigueresque |
| MPS | Lima MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 82001866 |
| Added to NRHP | October 7, 1982 |
The Ohio Theatre is a special old movie theater located in downtown Lima, Ohio, United States. It was built way back in 1927. This theatre is made of brick and concrete and shows off many different building styles.
A Grand Old Theatre
Outside, the Ohio Theatre has lots of fancy terracotta decorations. These give it a unique look called Churrigueresque, which means it has very detailed and decorative designs.
Inside, the theatre is just as amazing. You'll find tall Corinthian columns, shiny marble floors, and beautiful mosaic patterns. There's also a huge, sparkling chandelier. All these features give the inside an Italianate style, making it feel grand and elegant.
Why Was It Built?
The Ohio Theatre was built as a "movie palace" for a company called Schine Corporation. A movie palace was a very large and fancy cinema, designed to make going to the movies a special event.
In the 1920s, when the theatre was built, more people started using cars and public transportation. This made Lima an important center for people living in the areas around it. Many theatres, like the Ohio, were built to entertain these growing crowds.
More Than Just Movies
Besides showing movies, the Ohio Theatre has also been a stage for many live performances. Famous entertainers have performed inside its beautiful walls. For example, the well-known comedian and actor Bob Hope once performed there.
Protecting History
In 1982, the Ohio Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important buildings, sites, and objects in the United States that are worth saving. The theatre was recognized for its amazing architecture.
Many old buildings in Lima had been torn down or left to fall apart. Because of this, the Ohio Theatre and other buildings were chosen for historic preservation. This means they are protected so future generations can enjoy their beauty and history.
