The Avery Theater facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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The Avery Theater
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 495 State St. Garner, Iowa |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1931 |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 08001043 |
| Added to NRHP | November 12, 2008 |
The Avery Theater is a special old building in Garner, Iowa, United States. It was built a long time ago, between 1930 and 1931. This theater was the first one in town made just for movies with sound! Imagine, before this, movies were silent.
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The Avery Theater: A Historic Iowa Landmark
A Theater Built for Sound
The Avery Theater was unique because it was designed specifically for "talkies" – movies with sound. It was built by someone who owned their own theater, not a big movie studio. A talented architect named Henry E. Waldron from Minnesota designed the building. He used a cool style called Art Deco, which has lots of geometric shapes and sleek lines.
More Than Just Movies
Besides showing movies, the Avery Theater was a busy place for the community. It hosted many different events. Local groups and clubs used the theater for their meetings and activities. It was a central spot for people in Garner to gather and enjoy themselves.
From Movie House to Pharmacy and Back
In 1970, the inside of the theater changed a lot. All the movie theater parts were removed. The building then became Erickson's Pharmacy. Around 2003, Tammy Abbas bought the building, and it became Tammy's Pharmacy.
The building was recognized as an important historical place in 2008. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect special buildings.
From 2010 to 2013, the building went through a big renovation. It was carefully restored to look like a theater again. In August 2013, the Avery Theater reopened its doors. It started showing movies once more, bringing back its original purpose.
