Ohio Theatre (Toledo, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ohio Theatre
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3114 Lagrange St, Toledo, Ohio |
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| Built | 1921 |
| Architect | Stophlet and Stophlet, Anthony Kocherowski, et al. |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 06000198 |
| Added to NRHP | March 29, 2006 |
The Ohio Theatre is a historic building located at 3112 Lagrange Street in Toledo, Ohio. It was built in 1921 and is the last neighborhood theatre still operating in Toledo. This three-story building is made of brick and stone. It has special stadium seating, old movie projectors, and a large pipe organ. The theatre also has a big stage for performances. In 2006, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized as an important historical site.
Where is the Ohio Theatre?
The Ohio Theatre is found in Toledo's Polish International Village. This area on Lagrange Street has been home to many people of Polish heritage for over 130 years. The theatre is a very important part of this neighborhood. It's a historical treasure that makes the Lagrange Street area special. For many years, the Ohio Theatre has provided entertainment for people in Toledo. It has shown everything from vaudeville shows and silent movies to modern films and live performances.
A Look Back: The Ohio Theatre's History
The Ohio Theatre first opened its doors on February 28, 1921. It was built by the Lagrange Street Amusement Company. The very first movie shown was The Mark of Zorro, starring Douglas Fairbanks. Back then, tickets cost 25 cents for adults and 15 cents for children. At the time, it was the biggest neighborhood theatre in the entire country!
The theatre is most famous for being a movie house. It's still Toledo's only historic neighborhood theatre that is open. In 1929, Toledo had 41 indoor movie theatres. Even during the Great Depression, going to the movies at places like the Ohio Theatre was a great way to have fun without spending too much money.
The Ohio Theatre still looks much like it did when it was built. It has its original red brick front with Greek columns. Inside, you can still see the original wooden seats and the old lights in the aisles. The projection booth, where the movies were shown, also looks the same.
The Lagrange Street Amusement Company, which built the theatre, closed down in 1923. The theatre was then bought by Rosa Bialorucki. Her family owned the theatre until 1974. After that, it was owned by the Catholic Diocese of Toledo. In 2004, a non-profit group called Ohio Theatre, Inc. bought it. Then, in 2009, another non-profit group called United North took over. United North closed in 2019.
In November 2020, the Children's Theatre Workshop (CTW) bought the Ohio Theatre. CTW now uses the theatre for all its plays and musicals. They also rent it out for other theatre, art, dance, and music events. CTW recently received a large grant to make improvements to the theatre's front and other parts of the building.
Exciting Events at the Ohio Theatre
The Ohio Theatre has hosted many memorable events over the years:
- In 1928, a movie called Louise and the Haunted House was so popular that people waited in line for hours on New Year's Day!
- Famous cowboy star Roy Rogers and his horse Trigger, along with Dale Evans, visited the theatre in 1950.
- In 1953, two movies, The Long, Long Trailer with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and Cheaper by the Dozen, brought the biggest crowds the theatre had ever seen.
- In 1960, the Democratic Party rented the Ohio Theatre for John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign.
- Since 1977, the Toledo Area Theatre Organ Society has been based at the Ohio Theatre. They feature a special pipe organ that used to be in another theatre.
- In the 1990s, the Ohio Theatre started programs for children to perform in plays.
- The theatre has welcomed many famous groups and actors. These include the Moscow Boys Choir, the Warsaw Wind Quartet, and actors like Jamie Farr, William Christopher, Mickey Rooney, and his wife Jan Chamberlin.
- In 2008, lightning struck the theatre. The marquee, which is the sign above the entrance, fell off and was destroyed. The front of the building also became unstable.
