Windsor Theatre, New Windsor Theater, The Lincoln
Life Span: 1886-1961
Location: 468 North Clark Street (1225 N. Clark Street, between Division and Goethe)
Architect: Oscar Cobb
- Lakeside Annual Directory of the City of Chicago, 1887
Windsor, 468 N. Clark
Lakeside Business Directory of the City of Chicago, 1899
Lincoln Theatre, 468 N. Clark
Inter Ocean, September 12, 1886
NEW WINDSOR THEATER
Something About Its Construction.
A beautiful new theater will be opened in Chicago in another week, and an advance glimpse from the architectural stand-point at its. salient features is in order. To one riding toward Lincoln Park on North Clark street there looms up, just beyond Division street, on the east side of the great thoroughfare, which is fittingly termed the backbone of the North Side, moorish tower of graceful outline, and stretching north from this most pleasing facade, 129 feet in extent on Clark, street, and three stories high, the Oriental school of architecture dominating the whole frontage of galvanized iron, brown stone, pressed brick, and terra cotta All this rich construction 18 only the prologue or introduction to the theater, which lies quite separate to the eastward, magnificently cut off by wide areas on every side from the attack of flames without, while the abounding wide exits would bid defiance and good-by to any panic from within. Such extra safeguards constitute an invaluable attraction for the Windsor Theater, a name that can never be associated with any manner of scare even, and that is sure to become reigning favorite as standing for a charmingly fitted up family theater in the midst of choicest residences, while easily accessible by eleven street-car lines, and offering the same attractions as the Dest houseR down town. Certainly Messra, Francis P. Owings and Howard L Goldy, the buuders and sole owners of this $125,000 improvement, have provided the public with an amusement temple that will be appreciated,
The main entrance is via the highly ornamental tower at the south which gains a height of nearly 100 feet, and soon a reception parlor receives you after traversing the Alhambra arches of the corridor through the business block, and straightway the auditorium lies wide and inviting before you, the elegant curtains and the harmonious decoration of ceiling and wall in rich Oriental coloring forming an environment of artistic warmth of color for the expause of 2,000 seats and the great depth and width of the stage. The effect is exceedingly rich and intensified by the moresque elaboration of the arches whether of boxes and proscenium or of the semi-circle of “loges,” unique in this city, which border with scollops and richness the one low gallery or balcony of the theater. The “loges” are separate from each other, though closely continuous, and seated with opera chairs and combine much of the privacy of the six first floor boxes together with possession of individual seats In the rear of the loges and raised some five feet, with a separating rail, comes the gallery proper. On the main door, where the three state boxes on either side are royal with rich draperies, nickel plating, and brass work, the parquet ascends gently from the orchestra, and back of that the parquet circle rather steeply, the result being an unimpeded view or toe stage from every seat. The stage is one of cue largest in the West being 40 feet deep and the proscenIum arch having a width of 36 feet and is equipped in complete and latest style, including the dressing-rooms The dimensions of the theater proper are 78×112½ feet.
The decoration throughout is effective and artistic, and was executed under the eye of Mr. F. N. Atwood, the well-known artist and superintendent of decoration with S. S. Barry & Son, Nos. 258-60 Wabash avenue. On the ceiling the predominant colors are crimson, blue, and gold, with shadings of olive, while upon the walls the color effect is that of Oriental draperies in gold, crimson, and bide, bung upon metal, and wild con peacock feathers in the broad cove, next the ceiling. The woodwork is of mahogany tone. Over the proscenium arch the color is richer than elsewhere on the ceiling, and emblazons an Oriental head. The arched openings above the boxes are filled in with actual and most elegant draperies, the background consisting of stamped velvet-plush of peacock bine and golden-olive satins, while looped back from these, suspended from brass bar, are portieres of crimson and gold and the sparkling effect or jewels Wrought upon the drapery there is a handsome medallion in brilliant colors, Mr. Atwood’s knowledge of the theory and practice of theater decorations has been perfected in over thirty theaters all over the United States.
The house will be officially opened about Sept. 20 under the experienced management of Philip H. Lohnen, of Syracuse, N.Y., who now has the leading opera houses in both Rochester and Syracuse under his management, as also the Grand Opera House of New York The attractions that he has already secured are such as Sol Smith Russell, Prince Carl, Hungarian Students, Erminie, from the Casino, New York, MoCaull Opera Company, Black Hussara, Modjeska, Rhea, and others equally popular.
To go back to the three story block facing Clarke street and separated from Windsor Theater by a twenty foot area—except where the entrance way and a billiard hail intervene—its use, as intimated is for business purposes, there being six choice stores on the fret floor, and above twelve of the handsomest flats on the North side, having stained glass windows, not and cold water and all modern conveniences Also there is handsomely furnished hail that will evidently be in great demand for use of societies, probably different organizations using it on different nights.
As to Architect Oscar Cobb, who planned the Windsor Theater and supervised its construction, the result is not only one more Chicago play-house added to the score of more which he has designed here, while his out-of-town orders in the same line have exceeded ready enumeration. It is more; in just estimate the Windsor Theater combines to unusual degree the freshness of treatment characteristic of a maiden eftort with the rounded tecnique of the veteran. It duplicates nothing that has gone before in his practice, except as every equal number has its divisor. and in the western new departure of the “loges” and their individual treatment, it takes the cake.
M. B. Bushnell, No. 227 South Leavitt / street, supervised all the wood construction of the theater, and aid the first-class work as in the many other theaters built by him in this city, like the Academy of Music, the Columbia Theater, Madison Street Theater, North Chicago Museum, all planned by Architect Oscar Cobb.
Louis Daegling, No. 257 Center avenue, was the general contractor for the foundation and other masonry, and he has given in this instance, as always, decided satisfaction with hie work, he being one of the long established and most experienced masons in Chicago.
J. Barcolomel & Co. Washington and Green streets, did all the ornamental stucco work, as about the loges and the proscenium. He has furnished this decoration for more theaters than any man living, his skilled handiwork being found all over the United States .
To the old reliable firm of John Doerr & Co, 134 North Clark street, was awarded the painting contract, and it was executed admirably. Ever since 1856 Mr. Doerr has lived in this city and been foremost among her skilled painters.
The L S. Baldwin Manufacturing Company, No. 75 Madison street, supplied all the brass rails and other metal work, and tilled the contract with the thoroughness that has marked his work in all Chicago’s theaters, built for many years past,
The carpets, draperies, and upholsteries were supplied by Mrs. George Bedell, No. 265 North Clark street, who makes a specialty of theatrical work, having similarly catered to the Chicago Opera House, the Grand, Mc Vicker’s, Hooley’s Her correct taste and mastery of detail are recognized.
A comfortable seat at a theater 18 everything, and certainly these 1,100 opera chairs, with spring books and plush luxuriousness the bill and the sinuosities of the back to perfection. They are one of the latest designs of A. H. Andrews & Co., corner Wabash avenue and Adams street.
Chicago Tribune, September 6, 1886
THE NEW THEATRE. The Windsor, on North Clark Street, Rapidly Approaching Completion–How It Looks.
The Owings-Goldy Block of six handsome stores, three high, including the new Windsor Theatre, stories, the east side of North Clark street, near Division, is rapidly approaching completion. The frontage of the structure is composed of galvanized iron, cut stone, and pressed brick. From an architectural standpoint it is Oriental in style. The theatre itself is 80 far as to convey a general idea of its proportions. The main entrance is at the soutn end of the block, and is surmounted with a very ornamental tower, the bighest point of which rises to an altitude of ninety-two feet above the sidewalk line. Proceeding along the main entrance, which extends fifty-two feet through the business block, a reception-parlor is reached, and then, after passing beneath a series of ornamental arches, a corridor or lobby in the rear of the auditorium. The main floor is divided into two parts—the parquet and parquet circle. The former is constructed on a slight incline, while the latter rises very rapidly, so as to give an unobstructed view of the stage and its surroundings from all points.
One of the features of the auditorium is that it has but one tier above the parquet circle. The effect is very striking, and at once conveys the idea of ample space. The upper tier is divided into two sections, the front portion consisting of a line of boxes running round its entire length. Each compartment will be separate and distinct and be seated with operachairs, furnishing the exclusiveness of private boxes, if necessary, with the accommodation to the patrons of occupying individual seats. In the rear of this balcony circie, raised to an altitude of five feet, with a separating rail, is located the gallery proper. The seating capacity will aggregate 2,000. The design and decoration of the auditorium are moresque in style, and the details, fresco work, upholstery, carpets, etc., will be in unison with the general architectural design.
Another special feature of the auditorium is that it is placed on the rear of the lot, extending north and south, with an open court twenty feet wide between the theatre and the business block, with an alley at the south end sixteen feet wide, and a public alley on the east side twenty feet wide, thus giving ample means of exit in the shortest possible time in case of emergency. The building will be illuminated with electricity by the use of the incandescent light. The stage is forty-eight feet deep by seventy-eight feet wide, with dressing-rooms placed in the rear of the prompt and opposit prompt entrances.
The accommodations for chorus singers. members of the ballet, and minstrel troupes will be underneath the stage. The stage itselr will be fitted with twenty complete sets of scenery, including all the necessary set pieces, wings, borders, etc., with the usual spring, vampire, star, and other traps, working bridges, raking pieces, etc., required for the production of the latest and most improved spectacular effects. The drop curtain, representing a Moorish scene, tormentor wings, and grand drapery border are now finisbed and ready to be put in their places. It will be under the management of Philip H.
Lehnen of the Weiting Opera-House, Syracuse. The doors will be opened to the public for the initial performance Monday, Sept. 13, inaugurating a season of forty weeks, the engagements for which are already completely filled, and include such attractions as J. K. Emmet, Lotta, Rhéa, Joseph Jefferson, the Boston Ideals, John T. Raymond, etc..
Inter Ocean, August 25, 1895
THE LINCOLN.
The Lincoln Theater, the pretty and popular playhouse of the North Side, which was practically the last house in the city to close for the summer, will enter upon the second season of its prosperous career this after-noon. The exclusive management of the theater is now vested in Mr. James S. Hutton, who, unhampered, and with his well-known executive ability and enterprise, is now in a position to make the Lincoln what he ever intended it should be a first-class theater. He did much toward achieving that end last season, and will accomplish his purpose before many weeks, for he has filled the coming season with an array of surprisingly good attractions. The season will be inaugurated with Bronson Howard’s great and familiar war play, “Shenandoah,” which will be interpreted by an elicient company, and pre-septed with substantially the same scenery and effects used in the long run at the Academy of Music, New York city, last year. The story of the play is too familiar to be repeated; all that may be said is that “Shenandoah” is one of the most interesting plays ever presented. The play will be given all the week, including the Thursday and Saturday matinees.
Chicago Tribune, December 7, 1898
Blackened, charred, filled with débris, and drenched with water, the auditorium of the Lincoln Theater presented a scene of desolation yesterday. The fire which broke out in the North Clark street playhouse on Monday night was the cause. The damage is put at nearly $100,000.
The parquet is in ruins, the stage covered with wreckage, and there is not a section of the seats intact on the lower floor. On the side walls the remains of the boxes, charred by the fire, still eling, but above is the open sky, for the roof has fallen in with the exception of a few beams at the extreme southeast corner.
The falling girders crushed through the floor and snapped the gas pipes and the fumes filled the shell of the theater, adding greatly to the danger in the work of saving the little that escaped the flames and water. Men searched all day for the break, but without success.
The first balcony suffered the least, but the gallery above is filled with the twisted girders that formed the roof.
It is doubtful if the theater will be re-opened. The walls were condemned during the day after being examined by the Building Inspector. Secretary O. L. Gogg of the Lincoln Amusement company, lessees of the theater, said that he could not say yet whether it would be rebuilt.
Manager Hutton said the theater was a total loss, but that he would open another playhouse down-town within a few weeks. The drop curtain, he said, was the
most artistic one in America. It was destroyed.
Despite the damage to the interior the theater presented no appearance of fire from the Clark street entrance. The windows are intact, the walls and billboards not even scorched. A coating of ice on the walk is the only external evidence of the blaze. The entrance and box-office escaped unscathed, and the clock in the hall is still going, but behind the swinging doors the ruin is complete.
Several trunks were recovered from the ruins during the day, and John Skelton
was made happy by the recovery of his valuable cornet. Charles Quinn, the orchestra leader, however, could find no trace of his violin, which he valued at $1,000.
Perhaps the saddest man who looked on the ruins was Paul Gilmore, who was starring for the first season in his own play, “The Dawn of Freedom.” The destruction of his properties represents a loss of years of savings, as he carried no insurance. All the costumes of the actors were destroyed along with the other effects. They, with the scenery, were valued at $10,000.
Chief Swenie does not credit the rumor that the fire in the theater might have been of ircendiary origin.
Chicago Tribune, December 26, 1899
MAY BUILD ANOTHER THEATER.
Lefens & Seipp Probably Will Erect on the Site of the Old Windsor and Lincoln.
It is probable that another theater will be built in North Clark street on the site of the Lincoln Theater, which was destroyed by fire.
The ground belongs to Lefens and Seipp, who are considering the feasibility of building a theater or some other building on that property. They have solicited propositions from persons intending to lease the finished building for theatrical or other purposes. James S. Hutton and Martin Julian have made an offer, in case the owners of the ground should decide to build a theater, and it is understood that others have talked with the ground owners regarding the lease of a theater.
Theaters have been on the site before, but have been destroyed by fire. The first theater, the Windsor, was built in 1885. It was managed by Philip Lehnen for a year, when it burned. It was rebuilt and again opened under the name of the Windsor. For five years it was under the management of M. B. Leavitt. Next James S. Hutton and George A. Trayser assumed the management and conducted the theater one year, calling it the Lincoln Theater. Then Mr. Hutton managed it for three years for the trustees.. After the lease had expired the Hagan & Hutton Amusement company leased the theater for five years, but before the first season had fairly begun the building was destroyed by fire.
Chicago Tribune, September 9, 1902
OLD THEATER WALLS FALL: ONE MAN IS INJURED.
Collapse of Lincoln Structure, North Clark Street, Injures a Man and Causes Terror in the Neighborhood.
One person was injured and the lives of a score or more were endangered by the collapse at 8 o’clock last evening of the walls of the building formerly occupied by the Lincoln theater, in North Clark street.
George Smith, who lives in the building situated in the rear of the former building, was struck by falling bricks and was slightly injured about the head.
When the crash was heard, the inmates of the building adjoining ran to the street in terror. A call was sent to the Larrabee street police station and when the wagon arrived it was found that the side and rear walls of the building, which was in the
form of an “L,”‘ had collapsed.
The police searched the ruins, believing that some one might have been buried in the wreck, but no one was found.
From the investigation made by the police it is thought that insufficient supports for the walls caused the collapse. Fire partially destroyed the building in 1898, only the walls being left. A number of wooden supports were placed inside of the structure to hold the walls, and it is thought that the weight weakened them and finally caused them to give way. It appeared that the south wall was the first to fall and the adjoining walls then collapsed, and a moment later the iron supports of the balcony of the theater fell.
The building was bult in 1890 and leased to M. F. Leavitt, the theatrical manager. It was destroyed by fire in 1893, and was then rebuilt. Since the fire of 1898 nothing has been done to it. The building at 468 North Clark street narrowly escaped being crushed. It was formerly occupied by Dr. Cronin, who was murdered. Later it was used as a hotel.
Chicago Tribune, May 11, 1914
Theater Landmark Now Film House.
One of the oldest bits of Chicago realty hallowed to things theatrical received a new lease of life on Saturday evening with the formal opening of the new Windsor theater, at Clark and Division streets, the site of the old Windsor theater. which opened formally, according to a framed copy of the program, on Sept. 20, 1886. Its successor is an attractive, well finished. airy house, seating 1,500 people on the main floor, in the boxes, and the balcony, which, for the present, will be devoted to the exhibition of good feature films. The theater is owned and controlled by the International Amusement company, and is under the management of W. P. Shaver.
AFTERMATH.
Adelina Patti, famed singer of the nineteenth century, once occupied a box at the Windsor when a young singer who was her protege was making her debut. A canopy was stretched from the door- way to the curb, and the carpet under it was strewn with roses for Mme. Patti’s entrance.
The Windsor Theatre was opened as part of the Lubliner & Trinz circuit on 9 May 1914. It was one of the earliest projects from the firm of Rapp & Rapp. The theater was later run by the H & E Balaban chain.
The theater was remodeled by the firm of Pereira & Pereira in 1936. The Windsor operated into the late-1950’s, and was razed by 1961.
- New Windsor Theatre
468 N. Clark Street
1886
thank you for the great article about the New Windsor.
I used to go to that Theater in the mid 1950’s.
The seating plan that you enclosed reminded me of the exact seat I was in while watching King Kong, and The Giant Claw.
Thanks again.