THE ALGONA THEATRE

It seems that whenever I come up with a topic for a new post, it never turns out the way I initially pictured it.  Sometimes my research takes me down a rabbit hole or leads me down twisting and turning paths.  Such is the case in point.  My original idea was to do a story on the Algona Theatre, but that research led to the New Call theatre which led to the Old Call Opera House and so my story takes you further back in time . . . 

THE OLD CALL

Most of us are familiar with the story of the building known originally as the Call Opera House located on Thorington Street just across the street from the courthouse.  Built by Ambrose Call and business partners in 1893, it served as an event center for the area hosting many types of entertainment, including live performances of all kinds, political rallies, school plays, graduations, and on and on, until settling into its final role as a motion picture theater.  It met its demise in a fiery inferno on April 28, 1937.

The marque of the Iowa Theatre
can be seen two buildings down
from the Old Call Theatre
(Kossuth Co Advance 7/1/1954)

N.C. “Norm” Rice had taken over management of the Call Opera House/Theatre in 1916.  One of the first things he did was to install equipment for the showing of motion pictures.  In 1929 Rice installed a sound system in the Old Call which rivaled many fine theaters in the state.  The Rice family, which consisted of wife, Harriett, and daughter, Mary Janice, lived in an apartment located in the Call.  Harriett was an exceptional pianist having attended the Boston Conservatory of Music.  She worked closely with her husband managing the Call.  When it burned, the Rices also lost all of their worldly possessions.

Plans for a new 700 seat facility began to be discussed while the embers of the old Call still smoldered.  The plans never got beyond the discussion stage though and the remains of the opera house continued to be an eyesore for more than a year.  Occasionally, a brick, window pane, or piece of mortar would fall to the sidewalk below, sometimes narrowly missing an unsuspecting passerby. 

Although the loss of the landmark Call was a devastating blow to the community, Algona was not left without a theater.  Rice also managed the Iowa Theatre which was located several doors north of the old Call site.  The motion pictures that had been booked at the Call were able to be screened there.  

THE NEW CALL

A few blocks to the north Gail Pettit had built a new motion picture theater at 216 East State Street which had opened in 1936 under the name “State Theater.”  When plans to rebuild at the old Call site did not materialize, Norm Rice and other investors purchased the building and business, renaming it “The Call.”  With its imposing façade, it became a hallmark of downtown Algona.  Unfortunately, it too would meet the fiery demise its namesake had.

Kossuth County Advance 12/21/1950

During the afternoon of December 20, 1950, a blaze broke out which soon engulfed the theater building.  Embers were flying everywhere putting other structures in danger.  The Duryea house on Call Street caught fire on the roof which fireman were able to put out.  Fire, smoke and water damage occurred to neighboring businesses which included Pratt Electric, Moose Hall, and the Kent Garage. 

The Whittemore Fire Department was called to help fight the inferno.  It was estimated that 1500 gallons of water per minute were being sprayed on the fire.  The street became coated with ice, making it very slippery for those on the scene. The back of the building collapsed and power to the area went down when utility poles and lines were damaged. 

It had been a very tough few days for Norman and Harriett Rice.  Mr. Rice had fallen earlier in the week and injured his leg.  Losing another theater to fire must have been very discouraging and then, to put the icing on the cake, Harriett fell the morning after the fire and broke her shoulder. 

THE ALGONA THEATRE

Plans to build a new theater began almost immediately.  A few years before Norm had entered into a partnership with Central States Theatre Corporation of Des Moines.  An architect by the name of George Becker from Minneapolis was hired to design the new building before the year was out.  Once again, the old Iowa Theater came to the rescue and the movies that had been booked to be shown at The Call made their debut at the Iowa instead.

Construction of the new facility, which would be named The Algona, began soon after the building permit was issued at the end of June.  The cost of the project was estimated at $60,000, a handsome budget in those days.  The final design plan provided for seating of 780 and promised every guest optimum viewing pleasure. 

Norman Rice was involved in the initial plans, but on August 1, 1951, he announced that he had sold his interest to Central States Theatre Corporation and he officially retired after 35 years in the theater management business.  He was well known in the industry, not only as a pioneer developer of sound in motion picture, but also in his ability to bring first-run films to the local screen upon release while other small-town theaters waited months to book the same movie.  He would not have long to enjoy his retirement as he died in September of 1952.

The new theater was a modern wonder of stainless steel and glass and was touted to be the most fireproof building in Algona.  A large canopy extended out over the sidewalk in front.  Huge neon letters spelling out “ALGONA” were attached to the top of both program boards which were mounted on the canopy.  The program boards were positioned so that the name of the latest feature could be seen from either direction on State Street.  Posters of upcoming attractions were displayed in glass cases on the front of the building.

Kossuth County Advance 7/1/1954

Doors of glass lined the front entrance.  The ticket office was on the right.  Its location allowed for ticket sales to be made either inside or outside, depending on the weather.  The concession booth was next to the ticket office and contained confections of many varieties and of course popcorn and soda could be purchased there as well.

Concession stand and
ticket booth

Across the lobby from the concession area was a passageway that led to an exit.  It was separated from the lobby area by a glass partition.  Another row of doors led to the inner foyer from which you would enter the auditorium.  At each end of the inner foyer were stairs that led up to the balcony which extended over the front lobby and could seat 195.  There was also a door on the west side of the inner foyer which was the entry to the manager’s office.  The office itself was located behind the concession stand. 

On the east side of the inner foyer were the entrances to the “luxuriously furnished powder and smoking rooms.”  They were quite spacious and the powder room featured cushioned chairs and mirrors all along one wall.

The auditorium could be entered on either side of the inner foyer near the balcony stairs.  The room was lined with figured acoustic board for optimum sound quality.  The screen covered a large portion of the south wall and was covered by gold curtains which swept back as the lights dimmed when the show was about to begin.  

Almost 600 sponge cushioned, form fitting, velvet upholstered chairs were mounted on the gradually pitched floor to ensure good vision from any seat.  The chairs were described as “push backs” which allowed you to push back your seat to allow someone to pass in front of you without standing up.  They were the latest thing in theater seating at the time.  Aisles were covered with burgundy carpet and rope lighting ran along the edge to guide you to your seat after the lights had been dimmed and the previews begun – or for that trip to the concession stand for a refill.

The projection area was directly behind the balcony and contained a state-of-the-art twin projection machine to provide the ultimate in technicolor viewing.  The storage room next to it provided easy access to the front canopy to allow the program boards to be changed as needed.  

The Algona Upper Des Moines 9/13/1951

The new manager, William “Bill” Schleiger, was the host at the grand opening of the new theater on September 13, 1951.  Crowds lined up down the street to have an opportunity to be in the first viewing audience.  The opening feature was “On Moonlight Bay” starring Doris Day and Gordon MacRae.  Admission prices were 60¢ for adults, 45¢ for juniors (ages 12-16) and 14¢ for children.  Having separate prices for juniors was a new innovation and was well received by area families.

Kossuth County Advance 9/18/1951

PERSONAL MEMORIES

My memories of the theater date back to the 1960's.  We did not frequent the theater much as a family but as I grew older, I was often allowed to attend a movie on Saturday afternoon.  One of my favorites was “Sound of Music” and I sang every song I could remember as I slowly walked home, replaying every scene in my mind.  I was often pressed into taking my little brother to shows and free merchant movies and though I sometimes protested having to be his babysitter, I had to admit that I enjoyed the shows we went to almost as much as he did.

If I was lucky, I would have enough money to buy a treat and I remember looking at the variety in the concession case while waiting my turn to order.  There were many good things to purchase and I would go back and forth, trying to make a decision in advance so I didn’t hold up the line when it was my turn.  Although many brightly wrapped packages would catch my eye, nine times out of ten I would default to my favorite, Sugar Babies, and then ration them out so that they would last me through the show, which of course they never did.

The Algona in 1980

As I grew older, the theater was a frequent destination, whether with friends or on a date.  James Bond flicks, Kramer vs. Kramer, All the President’s Men and The Sting were so entertaining on the big screen.  And before too many years passed, I was taking my own children to the Algona Theatre to make their own memories of watching Disney movies, Jurassic Park, and Home Alone.

The Algona Theatre building in 2020

In July of 2005, a tri-plex movie theater opened just a block down the street and after 54 years of service, The Algona closed.  Today the building stands vacant, having outlived its usefulness as a theater.  It has been the home to several bars/restaurants during the intervening years and I hope that it will one day open its doors to serve the public once again.  For now, my memories will have to be enough.

This post is dedicated to my late sister, Kathy, who worked in both the ticket booth and concession stand at The Algona while in high school.  It was there she met her future husband, Dave.  Miss you, Sis!

Until next time,

Jean

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