Property Record
326 MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Badger Theater |
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| Other Name: | Good Time bar |
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| Reference Number: | 87016 |
| Location (Address): | 326 MAIN ST |
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| County: | Sauk |
| City: | Reedsburg |
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| Year Built: | 1924 |
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| Additions: | 1940 2011 |
| Survey Date: | 19832023 |
| Historic Use: | theater/opera house/concert hall |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | 2023 - Oscar and Mida Kelly operated a theater called the Majestic in Reedsburg until 1924 when they constructed a theater building and opened it under the name Badger Theater. The theater featured a large pipe organ, room for 400 patrons, and was the only theater in Reedsburg throughout its history. A projection room fire, combined with the switch to audio accompaniment led the theater to be remodeled in 1927. The prominent marquee was added in 1940 and the theater served as the site of a campaign stop by presidential candidate John F. Kennedy in 1960. The building operated as a movie theater until the late 1990s when it was used occasionally as a stage theater. The theater was significantly remodeled in 2011, especially the interior, which was converted into a restaurant space. A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation-Public History. 2011-NRQ 1927- Projection room fire 1940s-added marquee Exterior paint and removal of front windows 2010- remodeled inside; added level floor over sloped floor; removed theater seats 2011-handicap ramp added |
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| Bibliographic References: | 2023 - Braunschweig, Craig, Kali Hentges, and David Moon. Reedsburg (Images of America Series). |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |