Hardy Subterranean Theater
Life Span: 1892-TBD
Location: Wabash Avenue, south of Sixteenth Street.
Architect: TBD
Hardy Subterranean Theater
16th Street and Wabash
The Hardy Subterranean Theater is located on Wabash Avenue, south of Sixteenth Street. Here sight-seers are given an opportunity to see the marvels hidden underground, by means of an elevator which apparently descends to great depths Though the elevator car (a miniature theatrical hall in itself, accommodating comfortably one hundred people) only moves up and down in a shaft about fifteen to twenty feet deep, the illusion is made perfect by a combination of mechanical devices, and the effect produced is a real descent about 1,000 to 1,200 feet under the surface of the earth.
The elevator car moves into the center of a circular platform, carrying different stages arranged with appropriate scenery and living actors. The platform turns on rails, and is made to revolve and bring successively each scene in sight of the elevator car at the different stops made by the car in its descent.
Entrance to the subterranean scenery is obtained through a hall, decorated to resemble a chamber of stalactites, having a stage at one end, where variety performances are given every afternoon and evening. Admission to the Hardy Theater, 50 cents.
The Grotto
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