Arcada Theatre
105 E. Main Street

* on National Register of Historic Places

Click on photo to enlarge.

In 1837, Orange C. Baird, David Howard, and Dr. Nathan Collins built a hotel on the lot on where the Arcada Theatre now stands. Boarders could expect few luxuries in the spare building. One of the earliest boarders, Bela T. Hunt, bought the hotel and renovated it. Following construction of an addition and other improvements, Hunt reopened the hotel with a ball on July 4, 1838. Peter J. Burchell served as proprietor of the hotel for much of its existence. During the Mexican War and the Civil War, the hotel served as a recruiting headquarters. By 1889 the building's condition was quickly deteriorating: "The Old Burchell Hotel is like an old man tottering to its fall...it stands with a careening frame, deserted, fifty-three years after its construction." Later that year, the building was dismantled. The lot remained vacant until the construction of the Arcada Theatre.

St. Charles gained yet another of its landmark public buildings in the 1920s. In 1926, following much fanfare, the Arcada theater opened to the public. Lester Norris (1900-1981), built the Arcada in hopes of providing a place of entertainment and enjoyment for people of the area. Much like Colonel E.J. Baker, Norris invested his engergies and assets in the improvement of his hometown. Norris was a commericial artist and cartoonist for the Chicago Tribune. Designed by Elmer Berhns, the three story theater stands as a prime example of the Spanish Colonial Revival Style. While most of the exterior elements of the building remain, the original facade did not include the marquee that is seen today--that was added in 1943. The final cost of the building was approximately $500,000. On its opening night, September 6, 1926, visitors from all over northern Illinois first entered the building. Lavish decoration greeted the patrons. A fountain in the main foyer, nature scenes simulated by projecting rocks and waterfalls, and the combination of Spanish and Native American designs illustrated in the artwork and woodwork immersed patrons in luxury. Inside the 1,000 seat theater itself, a Marr and Colton organ accompanied the silent movies that flickered on the screen. The theater also boasted a grand stage. Patrons of the Arcada had several options: not only were they able to watch the latest movie, but they also were able to view a stage show. On opening night, two showings of a feature film "The Last Frontier", an Our Gang comedy, and a vaudeville show entertained guests. Norris also invited theater managers from Chicago to see the new theater. The Arcada Building also housed stores and businesses, a tea room, and a lodge room on the third floor. Over the years, these other rooms have served as places for receptions, lodge meetings, and social gatherings. Famous entertainers have appeared at the Arcada. John P. Sousa, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Edgar Bergen, and Jeannete MacDonald once stood upon the stage. In the 1950s, local play companies presented popular muscials such as Brigadoon and Carousel. The Arcada remained in the possession of the Norris family until the 1980s. From 1980 until 1992, Ruby Frank owned the theater. In the early 1990s, Classic Cinemas bought the Aracada and hoped to refurbish and revive the elements that had been lost to time. To do so, they had to uncover many of the ornamental elements which had been covered or painted over during the theater's lifetime. Today, one can watch a movie at the Arcada and step back into time. Although the theater may not be in its original conditon, it still gives one a sense of what once existed on opening day in 1926. While modern improvements, such as a new sound system were added, those restoring the Arcada also strove to recreate the decorative elements that reflect the original decor. Thanks to the restoration of the Arcada Theater and its architectural and entertainment importance, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency placed the theater on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

For additional photographs, see these sources, more fully described in the Bibliography.

Celebrating History p 82
Arcada Theatre Vertical File
Reflections of St. Charles p 120
St. Charles on Parade p 52
St. Charles Illinois p 124, 125, 126

Also see...

The Burchell House
Municipal Building
Delnor Hospital
Old St. Charles Post Office

Sources

• "Arcada Nears Completion." St. Charles Chronicle 17 June 1926.
• "Arcada Opens; Last Frontier." St. Charles Chronicle 2 Sept. 1926.
• "Arcada Opens; A Multitude in Attendence." St. Charles Chronicle 7 Sept. 1926.
• "Arcade Building is Spanish in Architecture." St. Charles Chronicle 11 June 1925.
• "Arcade Equipment is Already Here." St. Charles Chronicle 18 March 1926.
• Costello, Mary Ann. "Arcada Listed as Historic Place." Kane County Chronicle 14 July 1994, A:9.
• Davis, Ann. "Arcada Withstands Test of Grime, Time." Kane County Chronicle 15 June 1993, A:1.
• Davis, Ann. "New Tenant Plans to Revive Arcada's Ambiance." Kane County Chronicle 23 March 1993, 1:3:12.
• "Opening Date of Arcada is on Labor Day." St. Charles Chronicle 19 Aug. 1926.
• Clauter, Hazel. Our Community: Units I-VI--Historical Information Compiled for Third Grade Teachers. 1990.
• Pearson, Ruth Ann. Reflections of St. Charles. Elgin: Brethern Press, 1976.
• Pierotti, Ann. "Times Have Changed Since Arcada Theater's Heyday." St. Charles Chronicle 8 April 1981.
• "Remember When." Kane County Chronicle 11 June 1993, C:3.
• "Theater Got Rave Reviews." Kane County Chronicle 23 March 1993, B:12.
• Warner, Phyllis. "Happy Birthday Arcada." St. Charles Chronicle 1 Sept. 1976, II:1.
• Weber, G.G. "Arcada Building Carries $1 Million Price Tag." Kane County Chronicle 15 Sept. 1992, B:12.