Property Record
406-408 MAIN ST E
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Christie's/Hammarback |
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| Other Name: | Orpheum Theater |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 45135 |
| Location (Address): | 406-408 MAIN ST E |
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| County: | Dunn |
| City: | Menomonie |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
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| Year Built: | 1924 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1978 |
| Historic Use: | theater/opera house/concert hall |
| Architectural Style: | Art/Streamline Moderne |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Menomonie Downtown Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 7/14/1986 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | This building originally housed the Orpheum Theater, which was owned by William and Frederick Smith. Attracting customers to the theater was a major concern since there were other local competitors in the area. To do this, the owners made several decisions to make their theater unique. First, they decided to only show 'A' movies made in Hollywood, unlike other theaters that showed 'B' movies. Next, they sold advertising rights that were projected onto the screen through a glass lantern before and after the movies. Finally, they included vaudeville acts, which were short entertainment pieces, before the shows and between the reels. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Menomonie Historic District Walking Tour brochure, 2015. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |