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Roosevelt Theatre
Photo from the Brad Haubrich collection.
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2910 Roosevelt Rd
Kenosha WI
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| Record #21769 |
Opened: December 25, 1927
Closed: 1985
Demolished: 2008
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Capacity: 764 seats
Architect(s): Charles O Augustine; Einar Dahl
Architectural Style(s):
National Register:
Current Organ: none |
| Also Known As: |
| Previously operated by: United Theatres, Mid-America Cinemas |
Information for this tour was contributed by G Jones. The Roosevelt opened on Christmas Day 1927. Operated by United Theatres 1927-1939; operated by Bill Exton (who previously managed the Kenosha and Gateway theatres) 1939-1968; operated by Ted Lenz 1968-1972; operated by Carmichael & Associates 1972-1984.
Originally 1,100 seats and later reduced to 780. Because of Bill's outstanding showmanship in the 1950s and 1960s, the Roosevelt was always favored by Disney Studios for all of their releases. It was well known in the film business that the Roosevelt was the best place to book family entertainment in Kenosha. The Carmichaels continued that tradition through the 1970s and early 1980s.
The theatre lost it's original interior color pallett in the 1950s when a fire in the building to the east caused smoke damage. The lobby was "modernized" in the 1970s with bright colors to appeal to the "kiddies" much like a McDonald's restaurant.
The theatre has a shallow stage for vaudeville along with an orchestra pit. The theatre organ was removed in the early 1950s to make room for modern air conditioning. The original marquee and blade sign were replaced in the late 1940s with a trapezoid marquee with neon.
The Roosevelt is the only theatre in Kenosha that celebrated over 50 years of continuous film exhibition. Photos
Photos remain the property of the Member and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Member. |
1927 photos from the Brad Haubrich collection.
45 KB |
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Last featured 7/3/2004. Last edited 2/29/2020.
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