1911-1955 | Lyceum Theater 📍 411-413 South Main
NEW MARQUEE AT LYCEUM THEATRE
Oldest Findlay Movie House Takes on Modern Aspect Under Improvements
In connection with an extensive expansion program outlined by the Stueve Theatre Interests here, the Lyceum theater, one of Findlay’s oldest movie houses, Is undergoing some changes in outward appearance.
The firm announced this week that they had purchased the theater under construction at 619 South Main street, to be opened Sept. 15 under the name of the Findlay State Theatre company.
The same owners will continue to operate the Royal and Lyceum under the name of the Leslie Theatre Corporation.
Findlay Republican Courier | August 7, 1937 | Findlay, Ohio 🇺🇸🗞️📰
The Lyceum yesterday was graced with a new marquee of steel.
V-shape as is the Royal and the one proposed for the “State.” The olden movie house has already taken on a modern appearance.
Black glass, to imitate onyz, will be placed in the outside lobby, furthering the up-to-date and modern exterior.
The manager for the Lyceum has not yet been announced. When the State opens on or near Sept. 15, Walter Stueve, secretary of the Findlay State Theater company will be active manager of the new house and Howard Wilson, formerly manager of the Lyceum will manage the business of the Royal.
Work of repairing and remodeling the Lyceum is not yet completed but another day or two, the owners announced, should see its completion.
NEWSPAPER ARCHIVES | FINDLAY REPUBLICAN-COURIER | AUGUST 7, 1937 | Findlay, Ohio 🇺🇸
https://newspaperarchive.com/findlay-republican-courier-nov-11-1940-p-7
THEATER PACKED AT ITS REOPENING
Standing Room Only is Rule at New Lyceum as Doors Open On Sunday
There was standing room only most of the day, afternoon and evening, when the New Lyceum theater opened Its doors again after a three week period of re-modeling.
Howard Wilson, manager, said the theater was filled for every show and when it was time for the feature to change at the regular periods, many, waiting to see the picture, had to stand in line.
The New Lyceum has been completely remodeled and renovated from the front door to the rear exit. While it offers the all new, modern theater décor ations and equipment, the policy has not been changed.
The Lyceum for more than 80 years has featured western and other thriller pictures available, at medium prices to theater goers who want that kind of entertainment.
The Lyceum for more than 80 years has featured western and other thriller pictures available, at medium prices to theater goers who want that kind of entertainment
Theater Packed at its reopening | NEWSPAPER ARCHIVE Findlay Republican Courier | November 11, 1940 | page 7 🇺🇸🗞️📰🍿
In those years many of the better known sage-brush stars have galloped across the silver screen after the proverblal villian who had kidnaped the rancher’s daughter or escaped with the Wells Fargo express cash box.
The improvements at the Lyceum are part of a $10,000 program under way by the Leslie Theater corporation of which Walter Steuve is the head. Work at the Royal theater is nearing completion. The schedule there has been maintained without interruption.
NEWSPAPER ARCHIVE Findlay Republican Courier | November 11, 1940 | page 7 🇺🇸🗞️📰🍿
https://newspaperarchive.com/findlay-republican-courier-nov-11-1940-p-7
1911-1955 | Lyceum Theater 📍 411-413 South Main
February 4, 1911 | Lyceum Theatre opened after extensive alterations to the property
- location had previously been karst, laffey & company grocery
* facade of the theatre was finished in old ivory with huge arches surmounted by carved figures
* interior had a seating capacity of 300
July 20, 1911 | then proprietor of the Bijou Theatre at 407 South Main, Edward Jacobs, purchased the new Lyceum and closed the Bijou
- the seats from the Bijou replaced the Lyceum-installed seats
May 6, 1916 | Mr Jacobs placed a $20 gold piece in cement in front of the theatre- [marketing]
1916-1930 | changed hands several times until closing its doors in may 1930-financial woes
October 20, 1930 | the theatre reopens with talking pictures
- let it be known, the lyceum would be the leader of showing westerns and out-of-door films
October 25, 1955 | 🔥🔥🔥 consumed that whole building whch was subsequently razed
“Chapman and McKee launched their Lyceum Theatre in January of 1911 with 300 seats. Its old ivory facade with large arches and carved figurines was a precursor to the movie palace era that was just ahead. Its architectural advantages over store-show nickelodeons served it well in a 40-year lifespan. A five-piece orchestra accompanied shows. The pink and green color scheme on the interior was refreshed many times and – after being equipped for sound – the theatre’s seat count was reduced to 250.
Owners were numerous with Chapman and McKee selling to John B. Wehmhoft who sold it to R. Edward Jacobs who sold it to Abe R. Kraft and Dale A. Capell who sold it to M. T. McKinley who then sold it to the Leslie Theater Corporation.
The Lyceum Theatre celebrated its 40th anniversary likely closing in 1951 as the television era and lease issues would have taken their toll on the long-running theatre.
In 2016 a bicycle shop operates from the building.”
http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/53755
Here we have:
YOU GOTTA STOP! promoting Fox’s 1922 silent release THE FAST MAIL; vigorous and spectacular, indeed.
The Lyceum Theater and downtown Findlay circa 1915.
The Western Ohio streetcar line stops in front of the Lyceum Theatre (at right) in downtown Findlay. NOTE THE FLAGS AT EACH CORNER ATOP THE BUILDINGS. *Creative Commons (Attribution) License.
Here’s the Lyceum Theatre with a Hoot Gibson picture in 1926, “Arizona Sweepstakes. The Lyceum was built in 1905 and still going into the 1930s. Abe Kraft did the work here.
