Will Rogers Theater

101 E. Main Street,
Collinsville, IL

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Komm Theaters

Architects: Carl Boller, Robert O. Boller

Firms: Boller Brothers

Functions: Retail

Styles: Streamline Moderne

Nearby Theaters

Will Rogers Theater

Opened in 1936 on Main Street in Collinsville, the Will Rogers was named for the cowboy/philosopher/movie star who died in a airplane crash in 1935. Other Illinois movie houses named for Will Rogers were located in Chicago and Charleston. The theater was designed by the Boller Brothers.

Unfortunately, this sleek Art Moderne style theater was no match for the popularity of the nearby Miners Theater, and the Will Rogers closed after just a few years in operation. It was converted into a store afterward, and remained so for years. It has most recently housed a coffee house.

Contributed by Bryan

Recent comments (view all 2 comments)

JAlex
JAlex on May 14, 2005 at 5:12 pm

Both the Will Rogers and the Miners Theatres were operated by Sam Komm.

plasticfootball
plasticfootball on March 13, 2008 at 6:15 pm

Thanks for bringing that up, JAlex. I read recently that Komm opened the Will Rogers (in an existing building remodeled by the Boller firm) to head off competition from other exhibitors: Another company would be less likely to move into Collinsville if Komm had two theaters downtown instead of just one! At this time, the Will Rogers building is for sale. The most distinctive remainder from the Boller design is a pair of very 1930s staircases leading to the balcony.

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