Bell Theater - Sparta, WI, USA
Posted by: mrjcanger
N 43° 56.578 W 090° 48.658
15T E 675673 N 4867866
The Bell theater was built in 1919 to house silent movies and was advertised at the time as "modern and fire proof"
Waymark Code: WMT5PW
Location: Wisconsin, United States
Date Posted: 09/30/2016
Views: 2
In 1919-1920, Otto Bell constructed the Bell Theater. It was continuously used as a movie house from the 1920's into the 1930's. In the 1920's the theater featured many silent movies to include films with Rudolph Valentino, Clara Bow, Harold Lloyd, and Rin Tin Tin. Sound was introduced in 1927 and greatly enhanced the movie experience. By November of 1927 the theater was sold to three brothers; Dragnis, Burkitt, and Peter Stathis. They changed the name of the theater from the Bell to the Classic Theater. In 1945 Peter bought out his brothers and became the sole owner of the theater. During its run as a movie theater, the Bell also held live performances. The building is currently Wild Woman's Vintage Clothing woman's apparel store. The stage is still intact and the original theater organ has been refurbished. The marquee is still original. The building is a contributing building for the Water Street Commercial Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. The website provided has more information on the building.
Year Theater Opened: 1920
Number of Screen(s): 1
Concessions Available: no
Web site: [Web Link]
Ticket Price (local currency): Not Listed
Matinee Price (local currency): Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
Must take a photo of the theater.
Please try to include yourself or gps in the picture.
Tell of your experience at the theater, if it is still a theater. If it is no longer a theater tell of an experience from the past at the theater, if this can be done.
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