Star Theatre (Argyle, Wisconsin) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Star Theatre
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | 200 S. State St., Argyle, Wisconsin |
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| Built | 1878 |
| Architect | Alanson Partridge |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000154 |
| Added to NRHP | November 7, 1980 |
The Star Theatre, also known as Partridge Hall, is a historic building in Argyle, Wisconsin. It was built way back in 1878. This special place has been a shop, a meeting hall, and even a theater! In 1980, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important building worth protecting.
The Story of Partridge Hall
Who Built This Historic Place?
The Star Theatre was first built by a carpenter named Alanson Partridge. He moved to Wisconsin from New York in 1856. In 1878, he started building the north part of what would become the Star Theatre.
What Was It Used For?
The first floor of the building was Alanson Partridge's carpentry shop. Above his shop, he created a large hall. This hall was called Partridge Hall. People could rent it for many different events. It was used for meetings, fun dances, and even big meals.
Fun Events at Partridge Hall
Alanson Partridge himself sometimes hosted events. He once put on a Christmas Ball! To let everyone know about these events, he used people called barkers. These barkers would shout out the news in the streets. Partridge Hall was a place where people gathered for good times.
Growing the Building
Some time after 1881, Alanson Partridge added more to the building. He built the south part, making the hall even bigger. This helped it host more events and people.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The Star Theatre is a two-story building. It is made of wood and covered with special siding called clapboards. Most of the windows have cool curved tops. The east side of the roof has a bell-shaped decoration. Inside, the big hall on the second floor had a stage. This stage was perfect for performances and speeches.
From Hall to Theatre
A New Owner and More Fun
In 1908, Alanson Partridge sold his hall. The new owners were a group called Argyle's Modern Woodmen of America. They continued to rent out the hall for community events. It stayed a very important social spot in Argyle.
What Happened There?
The hall hosted many different activities. High school proms were held there, and people came for lectures. It was even a place for roller skating and basketball games! It was truly a center for fun and community life.
The Star Theatre Shows Movies
In 1920, the hall got a new name: the Star Theatre. This was when it started showing movies! People could come to watch both silent films and "talkies." Talkies were movies that had sound and voices. Imagine watching a movie there almost 100 years ago!
Later Years and Restoration
A Quiet Period
The movies stopped playing at the Star Theatre in 1945. After that, the building was empty for a while. For a short time, it was even used as a place to hatch baby chickens!
Bringing the Star Theatre Back to Life
Around 1980, the building was fixed up and restored. It was given a new purpose. Today, the Star Theatre houses different shops and a restaurant. It continues to be a part of the Argyle community.
